Ukrainian soldiers: tank training in Germany starts

Status: 01/27/2023 1:01 p.m

Ukrainian soldiers have arrived in Germany for training on the “Marder” infantry fighting vehicle. Training on the “Leopard 2” will follow later. There is not much time – because Ukraine urgently needs the tanks.

The first Ukrainian soldiers have arrived in Germany for training on the “Marder” infantry fighting vehicle. The group landed in Cologne on Thursday and is to begin training on the weapon system as soon as possible, as the dpa news agency learned from security circles.

The soldiers learn how to deal with the “marder” in around eight weeks. Training on the “Leopard 2” is to begin a little later, as Defense Minister Boris Pistorius explained during his inaugural visit to the troops in Altengrabow in Saxony-Anhalt.

Soldiers have prior knowledge

Most Ukrainian soldiers have prior knowledge or combat experience. In the short time they should therefore primarily learn how to use the vehicle and its weapon systems and be trained in troubleshooting and basic maintenance. Previously, courses had already been organized for the Panzerhaubitze 2000 and the anti-aircraft gun “Gepard”.

The training location is the Bundeswehr troop training area in Munster, Lower Saxony. The Panzertruppenschule of the training command is also located there – the most important training facility of the army for armored combat troops.

40 “Marten”, 14 “Leopard 2”

After a long dispute, the German government decided to supply Ukraine with 40 Marder infantry fighting vehicles and 14 Leopard 2 main battle tanks. Infantry fighting vehicles are suitable for the protected transport of small groups of soldiers to and in the combat area and also provide fire support. Battle tanks like the “Leopard” are used to fight enemy tanks or other targets.

The US is sending Bradley armored personnel carriers to Ukraine and will also offer training. In addition, the federal government is following suit with the Patriot air defense system, which Washington had already promised to deliver to Ukraine shortly before Christmas.

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