The tanks that Spain plans to deliver to Ukraine are the old Leopard 2A4, not the new Leopardo 2E version, manufactured in Seville, in working condition and ready for battle. Specifically, those from the 53 lots (108 total lots) that were damaged while in storage in Zaragoza. Of these, 13 are out of service and in some cases the turret is missing. According to the diplomatic sources consulted by EL PERIÓDICO DE ESPAÑA of the Prensa Ibérica group, the final figure, out of 40, provided by Spain to Ukraine, has not yet been determined. The Ministry of Defense of Ukraine and Spain is now discussing the details of the handover.
Some of the vehicles are expected to be repaired and ready within four months; others, according to the same sources, at most six in a year and in bulk. For now, technicians and members of the Ukrainian diplomatic mission in Spain were able to visit them.
Tanks are dry inside with fluids and battery removed to prevent further deterioration after damage from a mud flood. calatayud deposit (Zaragoza), in 1997. In some cases, tires are missing on other important parts such as the turret. Some spare parts are available, others need to be ordered, delaying the whole process.
After preparation, it will be necessary to find Ukrainian soldiers ready to deal with them. These are much more modern tanks than the T-72 of Soviet origin, which is most common in the Ukrainian Army. As this paper found out, there are groups of soldiers who already know how to deal with them. It is not yet clear whether Spain will take advantage of the centers where it currently trains Ukrainian soldiers in emergency and first aid and use it to train them to operate Leopard 2A4s. hawk missiles which our country sent a few months ago. Defense Minister Margarita Robles promised that Spain would contribute to the European Union’s training mission for Ukrainian forces fighting Russia, by training up to 2,400 soldiers a year. The Spanish Armed Forces are currently training at least 112 Ukrainian soldiers on Spanish soil, of whom 19 have returned to join the ranks of the Ukrainian Army in Zaragoza. Another 21 will train in AlmerÃa, 64 in Toledo and five in Madrid.
coordinated action
US President Joe Biden confirmed on Wednesday that it will send 31 Abrams tanks to Ukraine in an allied coordinated action after Germany confirmed it would supply Leopard tanks to Kiev. According to Washington, the shipment will be accompanied by other measures, such as training for the formation and use of Ukrainian troops to “improve their maneuverability in open space” and develop their “long-range” armies. abilities.
To this must be added, as well as the 14 Leopard tank companies that German Chancellor Olaf Scholz promised to send to the occupied country, and a similar number of other countries group “Leopard club” members from Poland, Finland or Denmark. who have these tanks Leopards are among the best tanks in operation because of their reliability. (they require less maintenance than usual) and their low consumption compared to other modern heavy combat vehicles such as the American Abrams.
With these shipments, Ukraine will have enough Western tanks to break through a Russian attack in 100 days. Juan José Fernández estimates that military experts would have to take about 300 tanks to Kiev to influence the course of the war. For now, Defense Minister Margarita Robles has announced Spain’s willingness to send Leopard tanks and train crews, but the number will depend on coordination with the allies.
Source: Informacion
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