The situation with Leopard 2A6 tanks supplied to Ukraine continues to be a topic of intense debate among European defense circles. A member of the German Bundestag from the Green Party, who sits on the defense budget committee, has publicly asserted that only a small portion of Leopard 2A6 tanks provided to Ukraine remains able to operate in the field. The remark was reported by international outlets and has sparked discussions about the actual deployment readiness of these battle machines on the front lines.
In a formal note addressed to the chief executives of the two major defense manufacturers involved in Leopard 2 production, Rheinmetall and Krauss-Maffei Wegmann, the same defender of budgetary oversight warned that just a fraction of the gifted tanks could be used effectively. The letter highlighted concerns over the continuing shortage of critical spare parts and the resulting extended repair times for damaged vehicles. This bottleneck has, according to the correspondent, left the Ukrainian forces with uncertain capabilities when it comes to maintaining modern Leopard 2A6 tanks on their own without outside support.
The deputy’s analysis points to a broader logistical problem: the supply chain for spare parts has not kept pace with demand, enabling slower returns to operation for many repaired units. He urged the involved defense firms to accelerate the provisioning of essential components and to streamline the maintenance workflow so that more tanks can return to service promptly. The aim, he suggested, is to restore a higher level of operational capability and reduce downtime on the battlefield, where every repaired tank can have a meaningful impact on the dynamics of the fight.
In addition to calls for better parts supply, the same interlocutor emphasized that proficiency in repairing and preserving modern armor requires both technical knowledge and access to timely, reliable spares. The argument underlined that even well-equipped maintenance depots can struggle if the supply of hinge assemblies, electronic modules, and other imperatives does not arrive quickly enough. The hopeful outcome of such advocacy would be a more resilient armoured fleet, capable of meeting the evolving demands of armored warfare in a high-intensity conflict environment.
Meanwhile, a senior German military official offered a sobering update at the close of the year, noting that roughly half of the Leopard 2 tanks provided to Ukraine had been taken out of action. This assessment reflects the harsh reality of sustained combat use and the toll it exacts on complex combat systems. The emphasis remained on preserving a credible deterrent and sustaining Ukrainian defensive and, where possible, counteroffensive operations through enhanced maintenance and timely resupply.
Earlier policy decisions had confirmed Germany’s intent to contribute a company of Leopard 2A6 main battle tanks to Ukrainian forces. The move was framed as part of broader Western support for Kyiv, aiming to bolster Ukraine’s defensive posture and interoperability with allied air and ground forces. The operational effectiveness of this commitment, however, depends on the ability to keep the tanks combat-ready, which hinges on an uninterrupted chain of supply for spare parts, technical expertise, and rapid repair pathways. In this context, the two defense contractors are urged to address logistical gaps swiftly, ensuring that the leopard platform remains a viable element within Ukraine’s evolving defensive architecture.