23 MARCH 2023
Spain will send its first batch of Leopard 2A4 battle tanks to Ukraine by the end of next week.
Source: European Pravda, citing the Spanish Defence Ministry’s statement issued on Thursday, 23 March
Details: The six Leopard 2A4 tanks that are being prepared for shipment have passed their final inspections at a plant near Seville in southern Spain, the statement said.
Spanish Defense Minister Margarita Robles visited the plant on Thursday and said four more Leopard 2A4 tanks destined for Ukraine would soon arrive for inspection and testing.
The first group of Ukrainian soldiers trained to drive Spanish tanks has completed training at a military base in northern Spain, the Spanish Defence Ministry announced last week.
Initially, Spain planned to send six Leopard tanks to Ukraine. Subsequently, Spanish Prime Minister Pedro Sánchez made an unannounced visit to Kyiv on the anniversary of Russia’s invasion and said that Spain would increase its commitment to 10 combat vehicles.
Pentagon Chief Lloyd Austin announced at a Ramstein meeting in March that a total of nine countries had pledged to provide Ukraine with more than 150 Leopard tanks.
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Thank you, Spain!
It’s not much, but why is Spain still able to send Leopards by next week, while the United States needs 6 months to send Abrams? No, it’s not because the US is farther away. Even old sailing ships could traverse the Atlantic in much shorter time than that.
I hear ya Sir OFP taking too long to send what we can let alone the foot dragging going on for other things Ukraine wants and needs. I’m grateful for the provisions that have been made, but so much could’ve gone better in decision making, logistics and leadership.
That being said I’m glad Spain was able to find a few cats they could refurbish and get into AFU hands, hope they send some spare parts and barrels while they are at it as well as any ammo they can spare.
🇪🇸💙💛🇺🇦
Maybe – just maybe – what Spain is doing will give the Biden administration food for thought, although I seriously doubt it.