Defense News ,Ukraine War :- The Ukrainian military faces a critical situation as it stands on the brink of losing its entire fleet of Leopard 2 main battle tanks, generously donated by Germany, amid intense clashes with invading Russian forces.
Sebastian Schäfer, an economist and member of Germany Green Party, highlighted the grim state of affairs, revealing that the war-ravaged nation has only a handful of operational Leopard tanks remaining. Speaking to local news outlet Der Spiegel, Schäfer recently visited a repair facility in Lithuania, where he discovered a shortage of spare parts necessary for the restoration of damaged Ukrainian tanks.
Expressing the urgency of the situation, Schäfer emphasized that untrained Ukrainian forces attempting repairs are exacerbating the damage. He called upon weapons manufacturers to expedite the delivery of spare parts, emphasizing the need to deploy all Leopard tanks stuck in repair facilities back to the frontline.
Addressing Germany role, Schäfer suggested that the country should initiate additional training programs or provide improved instruction to Ukrainian mechanics to enhance the maintenance and repair capabilities of the military assets.
The decision by Germany to send Leopard main battle tanks to Ukraine was a carefully considered move, with lawmakers deliberating for several months. In early 2023, Berlin finally agreed to transfer 88 Leopard 1 and 80 advanced Leopard 2 tanks to the war-torn nation. In March 2023, a total of 18 Leopard 2s directly from the German Armed Forces" inventory were handed over to Ukraine.
These tanks played a crucial role in Kyiv anticipated counteroffensive, offering close combat support and shielding soldiers from Russian attacks. However, the Leopards have not been immune to the harsh realities of war, with reports emerging in June 2023 that Moscow had captured an undisclosed number of these German armored vehicles.
Looking ahead, its not only Leopard tanks that Ukraine requires; according to a report by The National Interest, the country also seeks Abrams main battle tanks from the US to bolster its military capabilities against Russian forces. Hundreds of "highly serviceable" M1A1 Abrams are reportedly in storage with the US Marine Corps, presenting a viable option for immediate support to Kyiv.
If provided, Abrams tanks, along with other existing tanks in Ukraine, could play a crucial role in repelling Russian attacks during the winter and fortifying the potential for a spring offensive. The need for international support and expedited actions in supplying spare parts and additional military assets remains paramount for Ukraine defense.
——— End of Article ———
