According to the German arms concern Rheinmetall, Leopard 2 tanks they can be delivered to Ukraine in 2024 at the earliest. The head of Bild am Sonntag Armin Papperger emphasized that decommissioned combat vehicles need not only to be repainted, but also to be re-equipped for use in war, the tanks are completely dismantled and then restored.
“Even if a decision was made tomorrow on the delivery of our Leopard tanks, to Kiev, the delivery will take until the beginning of next year, — he noted.
According to Welt, Papperger explained that Rheinmetall now has 22 of decommissioned Leopard 2 tanks and 88 vehicles of the previous model Leopard 1. worth several hundred million euros. “Rheinmetall cannot finance it in advance,” — Papperger clarified.