Almost as many of the tanks shipped between September and December as shipped between September and the summer of 2023.

It took German industry an eyebrow-raising 19 months to refurbish and deliver the first 58 of at least 155 Leopard 1A5 tanks a German-led consortium has pledged to Ukraine. But the three-country consortium—Germany, The Netherlands and Belgium—has apparently resolved parts shortages and is finally picking up the pace.

Since those first 58 Leopard 1A5s arrived through early September, an additional 45 of the 1980s-vintage tanks have shipped.

  • HubiEnglish
    42·
    2 days ago

    The additions appear to be helping. Of the 58 Leopard 1s the Ukrainians received between July 2023 and early September, just six have been confirmed destroyed. At the same time, it’s apparent the Ukrainians have been reluctant to send the Leopard 1s to the most dangerous sectors of the front.

    Seems like Ukraine is taking a very sensible approach with these tanks. Pretty insane when you compare these losses to the comparable T-72s of the RuAF (1000+).

    • Jumi@lemmy.worldEnglish
      121·
      1 day ago

      The Leo 1A5 is really good tank too. It has a modified fire control system, it’s based on the one from the Leo 2 but a bit downgraded. Also, if I read that correctly it could be upgunned to the 120mm.

      Sadly most of them have been decommissioned and destroyed as per contract, at least in Germany.