The Netherlands wants to buy dozens more Leopard 1 tanks to supply to Ukraine.
The cabinet wants to buy the tanks from a Swiss company, say those involved. It is still important to obtain permission for this from the Swiss government, which has so far been reluctant to cooperate in arms deliveries.
Switzerland, which cherishes its traditional neutrality, keeps out of conflict with Russia as much as possible. It therefore basically blocks the export of weapons intended for Ukraine.
Somewhat older tank
The Leopard 1 is a somewhat older tank than the showpiece Leopard 2, of which Ukraine has also received dozens. Nevertheless, Kyiv can use them well in the fight against attacker Russia. Especially now that Ukraine wants to launch a counterattack.
Earlier this year, together with Germany and Denmark, the Netherlands already bought “at least” a hundred Leopard 1A5 battle tanks for Ukraine. Those modernized tanks were bought directly from German industry. They were there in storage.
The Netherlands is aiming for 96 Leopard 1s from the Swiss company Ruag, writes the Swiss newspaper Tages-Anzeiger.