Spain's vital support to Ukraine with Leopard 2 tanks and missile systems

Ukraine still needs more Leopard 2 tanks, as a certain number have been destroyed or captured by the Russians. Now, it turns out that replenishing the losses will come from an unexpected source, Spain. Here's what and when will reach Ukraine.

After refurbishment, the Leopard 2 tanks from Spain are expected to reach Ukraine at the end of June 2024, along with a small batch of missile projectiles for the Patriot system. This support package for Ukraine also includes, among other things, deliveries of artillery ammunition, Leopard 2 tanks, units of anti-aircraft systems Aspide 2000, and upgraded MIM-23 Hawk systems.

10 units of Leopard 2 tanks will help to replenish at least 17 Leopard 2 tanks confirmed as destroyed (according to a list kept by the Oryxspioenkop website).

Spain owns about 50 Leopard 2A4 tanks, which were stored in warehouses. For some time, various countries interested in increasing their inventory of Leopard 2 tanks had their eyes on these. Still, the Spanish units were in poor technical condition, and operationalising them would have been very costly.

However, after the decision to deliver Leopard 2 tanks to Ukraine and the issues with acquiring Swiss units, the Spanish tanks attracted interest from Western countries. It seems that someone decided to fund their refurbishment and send them to Ukraine, marking another batch of Leopard 2 tanks being prepared for deployment.

These tanks are also the Leopard 2A4 version, showcasing European armoured technology from the 1980s. It was the first mass-produced Western third-generation tank, distinguished by its advanced design, including multi-layer armour made of steel, composites, and ceramics. This tank also features a stabilized cannon and an advanced fire control system, enabling rapid and accurate firing even while moving.

All this was achieved while maintaining high comfort and safety for the crew, a departure from design practices in the USSR. Therefore, the crew of the Leopard 2 had a better chance of survival in case of armour penetration or ammunition magazine fire.

Although the Leopard 2A4's armour is not as modern as that of later models such as the A5 or A6, it still offers significant protection, especially against older Russian tank models from the USSR era. Thanks to its 120-millimeter cannon with a 44-calibre length and the EMES 15 fire control system featuring a thermal imager, the Leopard 2A4 can effectively counter even the latest Russian tanks, provided the appropriate ammunition is used.