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In the battle tank debate, the cards are on the table
International criticism of Chancellor Olaf Scholz on the tank issue has recently increased. photo
© Michael Kappeler/dpa
There is movement in the tough struggle and deliberation as to whether Leopard tanks will be handed over to Ukraine. Poland ups the pressure and Germany’s new defense minister hints at a plan.
Now things could happen in quick succession: Poland was the first country to apply to the federal government for a delivery permit for 14 Leopard 2A4 battle tanks to Ukraine. And the new German Defense Minister Boris Pistorius (SPD) said in Berlin on Tuesday that he expects a decision on possible supplies from Germany “soon”. It’s all about this:
Why is Ukraine so urgently claiming the leopard?
From the first day of the war, Ukraine surprised the Russian attackers with their military capabilities: the advance was stopped and pushed back over the eleven months of the war. But Russia is now mobilizing new armored forces for an expected major push that could see Ukraine suffer heavy casualties or lose more territory. Like other experts, former NATO general Hans-Lothar Domröse expects “a terribly bloody spring offensive.”
What battle tanks does Ukraine have so far, what can the Leopard do better?
Ukraine has hundreds of infantry fighting vehicles and main battle tanks developed by the Soviet Union from its own stocks and from partners (“ring exchange”). These include older main battle tanks such as the T-72 or T-80 and – as captured tanks left behind by Russian troops – the successor model, the T-90. Western main battle tanks, in this case the Leopard in particular, are now supposed to increase Ukraine’s ability to take the offensive, i.e. to recapture occupied territories. These tanks are superior to the Russian device, especially in the more modern versions, and can often destroy the opponent in a “duel”. Experts regard the Leopard as the best battle tank in the world in its respective generation.
Former Commander-in-Chief of the US Army in Europe, Ben Hodges, told US radio station NPR that Ukraine could use it to strike the Russian-held corridor from the Donbas to the annexed Crimean Peninsula. In addition, the Ukraine could form a heavily armored unit with western battle tanks, “the spearhead of a force that could break through the Russian line in the direction of Mariupol.” And in general, the infantry could be paved the way to advance with such battle tanks.
Could the federal government deliver Leopard tanks in time for Russia’s feared spring offensive?
In Germany, there are Leopard tanks in the workshops and warehouses of industry and in the Bundeswehr. Rheinmetall boss Armin Papperger told “Stern” that around 29 Leopard 2A4 main battle tanks would be ready for use by the end of March, which are intended for the ring exchange with the Czech Republic and Slovakia. It will therefore take time to get more Leopards ready for use. During the Cold War, the Bundeswehr had more than 2100 Leopard 2 in stock, which were sold, given away or destroyed in the course of disarmament. Last year, the Bundeswehr still had 312 Leopard 2 tanks, but not a single model of the older Leopard 2A4 version, which is now being considered for Ukraine. 19 pieces in the Leopard 2A5 version are considered to be the most dispensable for the Bundeswehr. They are currently used in the combat training center to “represent enemy forces”, so they are intended to represent the enemy during training.
Are there other main battle tanks of importance to Ukraine?
Great Britain has already announced that it wants to give the Challenger 2 to Kyiv. For the use of weapon systems, however, it is advantageous if the device is as uniform as possible. The large device may even have to be driven out of the Ukraine for repairs. The tank builder KMW and the German Ministry of Defense have set up a workshop center (“hub”) in the border area between Slovakia and the Ukraine in order to repair systems such as the Panzerhaubitze 2000 after use at the front and to replace wearing parts.
How many Leopard tanks are available?
The US broadcaster ABC News reported on Tuesday, citing a Ukrainian government official, that 12 states had signaled their willingness to deliver Leopard tanks, including Spain, the Netherlands and Denmark. The Ukrainian site is quoted as saying that a total of 100 Leopards are already available. The assurances had already been made last week at the Ukraine talks in Ramstein. Judging by the numbers, virtually all European Leopard users except Turkey should have signaled their readiness. Poland has already laid the cards on the table: the 14 Leopard 2A4s requested for delivery are sufficient in number to equip a company. Leopard manufacturer Krauss-Maffei Wegmann has built well over 3,500 Leopard 2s to date, with the majority of countries earmarked for their own defense.
When will the federal government decide?
“I expect that a decision will be made shortly,” said the new Defense Minister Boris Pistorius (SPD) on Tuesday in Berlin, where he also spoke about the Leopard with NATO Secretary General Jens Stoltenberg. According to him, questions such as replenishment and the supply of weapon systems are already being examined. “And in the event of a positive decision, we will then be able to act very quickly,” he said. Stoltenberg called for the rapid delivery of new weapons, with “heavier and more advanced systems” being necessary. The Norwegian said: “The only way to a lasting peace is to make it clear to Putin that he will not win on the battlefield.” Critics warn of a further escalation.
How is the mood in Germany?
According to a survey, a possible delivery of Leopard tanks to the Ukraine is controversial among the German population. 46 percent of those surveyed in the current “Deutschlandtrend” for the ARD “Morgenmagazin” are in favor of it, almost as many are against it (43 percent). The remaining 11 percent cannot or do not want to commit themselves. In eastern Germany in particular, most respondents are against this (32 to 59 percent).