Germany trains Ukrainian forces to operate Leopard 2 tanks

In the coming days, the German Bundeswehr is set to start a structured training program for Ukrainian forces, focusing on the command and operation of German Leopard 2 tanks. The plan, reported by Der Spiegel through its own sources, places the initial training phase in the middle of next week and suggests it will be conducted with soldiers who have recently arrived from Poland. The courses are to be held at a military training site in Germany, specifically in the city of Munster in Lower Saxony, a location already used for teaching Ukrainian recruits how to operate the Marder infantry fighting vehicles. The overall aim is to accelerate the skills transfer so that Ukrainian crews can effectively coordinate Leopard 2 tanks with Marder vehicles on the battlefield, improving combined arms operations and command efficiency. Der Spiegel notes that the training cycle is unusually condensed, spanning just six to eight weeks, whereas traditional programs typically extend over several years to achieve similar proficiency. According to the report, the Ukrainian forces will concentrate on essential competencies for handling the Leopard 2 and on creating seamless interoperability with the Marder in simulated combat scenarios. If the schedule holds, the first planeloads of trained Ukrainian units could be ready for frontline deployment by late March, a timeline that would mark a rapid transition from classroom instruction to field operations.