The Leopard 2E would be in a dilapidated state and it would take many months to get them ready.
The Spanish government’s supposed offer to send 40 German-made Leopard 2E (Lepard 4A) main battle tanks to Ukraine to defend against Russian aggression has been deflated. The German information portal ‘Business Insider’ reported on Wednesday that according to sources in Madrid, Spain could not supply more than ten tanks of this type to the Ukrainian army. Moreover, he adds, it is doubtful whether this mission can be carried out, as the armored vehicles are in a state of total desolation and it would take many months to get them ready again. Senior Spanish officials consulted by the German digital media acknowledged that the possibility of this transmission has not even been finally decided by the Spanish government, which has yet to discuss and approve it.
This is why the government of the Chancellor, Olaf Scholz, has not yet received a formal request from the Spanish government to authorize the shipment of these cars to Ukraine. Germany requires the countries to which its arms industry supplies material to sign a final destination clause, whereby the purchasing state undertakes not to resell these weapons to third countries without the express consent of Berlin.
That clause is intended to prevent German weapons from being sent to countries embroiled in civil wars, dictatorships or being delivered to child soldiers. Business Insider also emphasizes that there is an unofficial apology from Madrid to the Scholz government for the pressure it has been subjected to since information emerged that Spain may be sending Leopard 2E tanks to Ukraine.
The announcement a few days ago of the Spanish government’s suspected intentions put the German executive in a bind, because if it were done, it would be the first time a NATO country would supply Ukraine with modern Western battle tanks, in in this case the German Krauss Maffei Wegann. The news, published by Spanish media, caused great irritation in Berlin, as the Madrid government appeared to be acting on its own and without consulting Scholz’s management on that offer.
Since the new Russian invasion of Ukraine began, the chancellor has been pressured by Kiev, as well as some NATO allies, such as the Baltic republics, to provide heavy war material for Ukrainian troops.
For her part, Spain’s defense minister, Margarita Robles, assured on Tuesday that sending battle tanks to Ukraine is “an option on the table”. In statements to Cadena Ser, he explained that the Leopard cars that would be the subject of military aid are at a military base in Zaragoza and have been out of service for “many years”. Apparently they wouldn’t have moved since 1995 so “today it wouldn’t make sense to send them in as they are not in use” and would have to undergo repairs.
“We would see that some sort of major repairs can be made,” the defense secretary said, adding that their repairs could be studied, although they are lengthy procedures. In any case, he assured that the decision should be taken in a “coordinated” manner with other countries, with clear reference to Germany.
Source: La Verdad
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