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The Netherlands is considering its options in supplying modern battle tanks to Ukraine, according to a Ministry of Defence announcement on 1 February.
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The Netherlands currently operates 18 Leopard 2A6 main battle tanks leased from Germany and could be influenced by the other countries’ recent decision to supply 14 Leopard 2A6 battle tanks to the Ukraine-Russo war.
The German-manufactured main battle tanks feature a 120mm smooth bore gun, two 7.62mm coaxial light machine guns and are operated by a crew of four. The tank has seen service across multiple countries including Germany, the Netherlands, Austria, Canada, Chile, Denmark, Finland, Greece, Norway, Poland, Portugal, Singapore, Switzerland, Sweden, Spain and Turkey.
“The Netherlands is part of a group of countries that at this crucial stage of the war, are doing everything they can to supply Ukraine with Western battle tanks, and is considering various options to contribute,” said a Dutch Ministry of Defence spokesperson.
“The Netherlands Minister of Defence, Kajsa Ollongren, informed the House accordingly last week.
“It is not yet known which option it will be.”
The Dutch cabinet has previously agreed to send two Patriot missile launchers and ammunition to the conflict, as well as joint finance to divert modernised Russian T-72 tanks from Morocco to Ukraine defence forces in 2022.
The country has recently sent eight F-35 fighter jets to Malbork Air Base in Poland on 27 January. The Ministry of Defence stated four of those aircraft will be available to guard NATO airspace over Eastern Europe and the other four will be on standby under a pilot training program with NATO allies.
