As Ukraine gears up for offensive, Spain delays transfer of Leopard tanks to Ukraine
After being stored for decades, the German-made tanks require retrofitting and combat readiness verification, as they have not been in use since the 1990s, Spanish media have reported.
Spanish newspaper El Pais, citing sources in the government, previously reported that Spain would send the first six Leopard 2A4 combat tanks to Ukraine immediately after Easter.
Read also: Ukrainian soldiers complete training in Spain
On March 13, dozens of Ukrainian soldiers completed four weeks of training on Leopard 2A4 tanks in Spain. A total of 40 tank crew members and 15 mechanic specialists were trained on the Leopard 2, organized at a military base in Zaragoza.
A total of 40 tank crew members and 15 mechanic specialists received training on the Leopard 2 at a military base in Zaragoza.
Ukraine needs modern Western main battle tanks for its long-expected offensive to liberate more Ukrainian territory from Russian occupation.
As well as tanks, Ukraine needs infantry fighting vehicles, armored cars, mine-clearing and bridge-building equipment, and modern fighter jets, the Ukrainian military has said.
Read also: Operation De-occupation: What Ukraine will need to liberate occupied territories – NV analysis
However, both the United States and Germany have ruled out providing Ukraine with modern warplanes, even as Ukraine gears up for what could be a decisive period of the war against Russia’s invasion forces.
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Read the original article on The New Voice of Ukraine
