News item | 2023-04-20 | 11:35
Together with Denmark, the Netherlands is buying 14 Leopard 2 A4 tanks for Ukraine. After overhaul, the main battle tanks go to Ukraine as soon as possible. That is probably in 2024. The Netherlands is part of the international tank coalition that supplies Ukraine with modern main battle tanks. The Netherlands previously bought Leopard-1 tanks with Denmark and Germany for Ukraine.
Russia continues to carry out attacks on Ukrainian territory. Defense Minister Kajsa Ollongren: “The Ukrainians continue to fight against the Russian aggressor. Their determination motivates us to continue to provide military support. Moreover, Ukrainian and European security are inextricably linked.”
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Big firepower
With the Leopard 2 A4 main battle tank, Ukraine can gain superiority on the battlefield. The great firepower, good protection and speed of this main battle tank makes that possible. The Ukrainians have already shown in recent weeks that they can learn to operate the tank in a short time.
The Netherlands and Denmark share the costs for the purchase of the Leopard 2 A4s. It is about 165 million euros. The Netherlands also contributes to two initiatives for the joint procurement of 155mm artillery ammunition. This is done by contributing 130 million euros to the European Defense Agency (EDA) initiative.
Another 130 million euros will go to the German joint procurement initiative. By bundling orders, economies of scale can be achieved. Purchasing is also more efficient and effective. This will benefit Ukraine’s sustainability.
Defense ministers meet
Tomorrow the so-called Ukraine Defense Contact Group (UDCG) will meet again. In Ramstein, Germany, defense ministers from more than 50 countries are discussing coordination for military support to Ukraine.