Germany has announced a significant new military aid package for Ukraine, reinforcing its support amid the ongoing conflict. The package includes 25 Leopard 1A5 main battle tanks, five Bergepanzer 2 armored recovery vehicles, and two driver training tanks. Funded by the German government, the deal is valued in the double-digit millions of euros and goes beyond hardware, covering training, spare parts, logistics, maintenance, and other support services. The program is being carried out by Germany’s leading defense company, Rheinmetall.

Deliveries are scheduled for completion in 2024. At Rheinmetall facilities in Unterlüß and Kassel, the Leopard 1A5 tanks are being refurbished and prepared for operational readiness before deployment to Ukraine. Once in service, these tanks are expected to significantly enhance the capabilities of Ukraine’s armored forces.

Germany has already supplied Ukraine with 80 Marder infantry fighting vehicles, and Rheinmetall confirmed that 20 additional Marder units may follow. Furthermore, on behalf of the Dutch and Danish governments, Rheinmetall will deliver 14 Leopard 2A4 tanks to Ukraine next year. This demonstrates the continued and coordinated support of European nations for Kyiv.

Currently, Ukraine’s inventory includes around 140 Leopard 1 and 90 Leopard 2 tanks supplied by Germany, the Netherlands, and Denmark. With the upcoming deliveries, the number of Leopard 1s in Ukrainian service will approach 300, while Leopard 2s will near 150. Leopard 2 tanks already played a crucial role in the Ukrainian counteroffensive launched in June 2023, though several Leopard 2A4 and Leopard 2A6 units were destroyed or damaged by Russian forces. Some of the damaged Leopard 2A4s have reportedly been sent to Poland for repair.

The delivery of additional Leopard 1A5 tanks represents not only an immediate boost to Ukraine’s combat readiness but also underscores Europe’s long-term commitment to supporting Kyiv in its defense efforts.