The Ukrainian government has awarded Rheinmetall a contract for 25 Leopard 1A5 main battle tanks (MBTs), five Bergepanzer 2 armoured recovery vehicles (ARVs, which are based on the Leopard 1) and two Leopard 1 driver training tanks, the German company announced on 14 November 2023.
The order, financed by Germany and worth a figure in the upper-two-digit- million-euro range, according to Rheinmetall, also includes training, logistics, spare parts, maintenance and other support services.
Deliveries are due to take place in 2024. The AFVs are currently being overhauled and readied for use at Rheinmetall’s plants in Unterlüß and Kassel.
“Rheinmetall thus continues to support Ukraine with a steady flow of tactical vehicles,” the company stated, noting that it has previously been tasked with supplying Ukraine with a total of 80 Marder infantry fighting vehicles (IFVs). Most of these are already in-country and engaged in ongoing operations.
Rheinmetall is also ready to supply a further 20 Marder IFVs as soon as it receives an order to this effect. In late 2023 and early 2024 Ukraine will also be taking delivery of five Caracal airmobile-capable vehicles. On behalf of the Dutch and Danish governments, moreover, next year Rheinmetall will be supplying Ukraine with 14 Leopard 2A4 MBTs.
In addition to vehicles, Rheinmetall has supplied the Ukrainian armed forces with equipment including ammunition, unmanned aerial vehicles and medical facilities.
