20.02.2023 – Translated from Ukrainian via Google and OFP
The Ukrainian Armed Forces plan to form at least two tank battalions armed with German Leopard 2s. In addition, another 6-7 battalions that will be composed of older Leopard 1 tanks.
This was announced by Defense Minister Alexei Reznikov. According to TSN , this was also discussed during the talks between Ukrainian President Volodymyr Zelensky and US President Joe Biden on Monday, February 20, in Kiev.
“I’m sure there will be at least two battalions of Leopard 2 tanks. And we will also probably have six or seven battalions of Leopard 1 tanks with plenty of ammunition. It will be a coalition. Different countries will provide these Leopard 1 tanks. And there will also be Challenger 2 tanks, Abrams, and AMX-10 light tanks from France,” Reznikov said.
The minister expressed hope that Ukraine would receive the Leopard 2 tanks before April 2023. However, their delivery will depend on the timing of the training of the crews of the Armed Forces of Ukraine.
As reported by OBOZREVATEL:
Leopard 2A4 tanks will be in Ukraine in March 2023. Those of them that Canada provided today are in Poland, where instructors also arrived to train the Ukrainian military. This was stated by Deputy Prime Minister of Poland and Minister of National Defense of the country Mariusz Blaszczak following the results of Ramstein on February 14.
At the same time, exercises of Ukrainian tank crews on the development of Leopard 2 tanks began in Poland.
In Germany, Ukrainian crews of Leopard 2 tanks are also being trained .
Only verified information is in our Telegram channel Obozrevatel and Viber . Don’t fall for fakes!
So, it seems that “tank fist”, according to Reznikov’s definition, does not mean the German variant of a single weapon to destroy a tank, but a tank force, created to bust through mafia defenses. In the US, we call this an armored spearhead.
Of course, they could create a mixed armored spearhead, with each type of Western (and maybe SU) tank in a position best suited for it, supported by various Western IFVs and 155 mm howitzers and HIMARS in the rear. Of course, these weapons would all be crewed by highly trained and highly motivated Ukrainians.
This would be an awesome and overwhelming force to face!
The weakness there is air defense. Is Ukrainian capability sufficient to protect the “tank fist/armored spearhead”?
The French/Italian Samp-T with it’s range will help, but Italy is afraid of giving many as they only have a few.
We need bravery. Every plane/missile/helicopter downed in Ukraine is one less that can advance elsewhere so deploy it where most urgently needed.
If Ukraine has sufficient capability -fine. But if not, more aid than comfortable needs to be given. That’s just how it is and what the situation calls for.
I’m not up-to-date on Ukraine air defense capabilities. If I know the AFU general staff by now, I’d wager that they have focused carefully on this matter. I hope so, anyway.
Let’s hope the end is soon before US aid can be jeopardized by a De Santis/Trump victory. Russia, China, De Santis/Trump – all gunning for Biden now. Let’s hope that support for freedom wins!