German tanks debacle: Expert calls delivering faulty equipment to Ukraine 'a shame'
German, Danish, and Dutch services delivered 20 tanks to Ukraine in 2023, none ready for frontline combat. As a result, the Ukrainian army decided not to accept the equipment, which delayed frontline operations. Experts plainly state that it is an unbelievable shame for the mentioned countries.
Recall that in 2023, Germany, Denmark, and the Netherlands promised to deliver 28 Leopard 1 tanks to Ukraine. The equipment could have been a tremendous reinforcement for the troops fighting against Russia, but it was not used on the frontline.
It turned out that 20 tanks from the first batch, which reached the Ukrainian army in September 2023, were defective. The equipment had problems with onboard computers and brakes. It was not suitable for combat use.
Biełsat reports that the Ukrainians ultimately refused to accept the tanks. The military vehicles were sent for repairs, and Danish mechanics eventually fixed the defects. In January 2024, with a significant delay, 28 machines were sent to the front.
Peter Viggo Jakobsen, a lecturer at the Danish Military Academy, said in an interview with Danmarks Radio commented that Ukrainians were promised something. They were supposed to receive operational tanks that would help in combat, but they did not receive them. This is, of course, a shame.
It is known that 90 Leopard 1 tanks have been repaired and adapted for frontline combat. Not all, however, are fighting within the ranks of the Ukrainian army. Why? The Danish Ministry of National Defence does not want to disclose this. Officials justify this by citing "security reasons."
Let's add that earlier Ukraine had a problem with the AMX-10 RC armoured reconnaissance vehicles delivered by France. The equipment was not suitable for combat due to very thin armour.
