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German automotive and arms manufacturer Rheinmetall will supply 25 Leopard 1A5 main battle tanks and other support vehicles to the Ukrainian government under a new multi-million euro deal.
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The Ukrainian government awarded Rheinmetall the upper two-digit, million-euro contract for the main battle tanks as well as for five Bergepanzer 2 armoured recovery vehicles and two driver training tanks.
The order, announced on 14 November and financed by Germany, also includes training, logistics, spare parts, maintenance, and other support services.
The Leopard 1 systems are currently being overhauled and readied for use at Rheinmetall’s plants in Unterlüß and Kassel, before delivery takes place in 2024.
“Rheinmetall thus continues to support Ukraine with a steady flow of tactical vehicles,” according to a public statement from the company.
“The group has previously been tasked with supplying Ukraine with a total of 80 Marder infantry fighting vehicles. Most of these are already in-country, where they have proved their mettle in ongoing operations.
“Rheinmetall is 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 the group will be supplying Ukraine with 14 Leopard 2A4 tanks. In addition to vehicles, Rheinmetall is aiding the Ukrainian armed forces with ammunition, drones, medical facilities.”
Earlier this year the Australian federal government announced counter-drone systems, de-mining equipment, portable X-ray machines, and a 3D metal printer produced by the Australian defence industry would be provided to Ukraine as part of a $20 million military assistance package.
Alongside the assistance commitment, a Royal Australian Air Force E-7A Wedgetail aircraft has deployed to Germany in support of multinational efforts and international humanitarian and military assistance to Ukraine.
The deployment of the E-7A aircraft delivers on the government’s commitment made ahead of the prime minister’s visit to the NATO summit in Vilnius. The aircraft, alongside 100 Australian Defence Force personnel, have arrived at Ramstein Air Base to begin a six-month deployment under Operation Kudu.
The Australian-developed equipment is made by four Australian defence industry companies including DroneShield, Micro-X, Minelab, and SPEE3D.
The new support takes Australia’s overall assistance to Ukraine to approximately $910 million, including the provision of Bushmaster protected mobility vehicles, heavy artillery, critical ammunition, and contributions to the Ukraine Humanitarian Fund.
The aircraft will not be involved in the conflict in Ukraine and Australian Defence Force personnel and assets will not enter Ukraine during the deployment. The E-7A Wedgetail will not operate inside Russian, Belarusian or Ukrainian airspace.
