Germany says cannot directly replace advanced Leopard tanks

By Al Mayadeen English
Source: Agencies
13 Jun 2023 13:49

German Defence Minister Boris Pistorius announces that Germany can deliver Leopard 1, but advanced Leopard tanks will require more time to be replaced after they were destroyed.

Images circulated on Russian social media showing destroyed/abandoned NATO-supplied German-made Leopard 2 tanks and US-made 4 M2A2 Bradley IFV (Telegram: OK_SPN)

After footage showed that Russia successfully destroyed or captured some of the Leopard tanks Germany had sent to Ukraine, German Defence Minister Boris Pistorius announced that the country will need time to replace destroyed tanks.

In an interview with RTL, on Monday, Pistorius noted that "we [Germany] will not be able to replace every tank that is now out of action."

Despite wide confirmations of the released footage depicting the destruction of Leopard tanks in Ukraine, the German Defense Minister refused to confirm the authenticity of the footage.

Significantly, however, Pistorius underscored that "unfortunately it is the nature of war that weapons are destroyed, that tanks are destroyed and people are killed," adding "That is why our support for Ukraine is so important."

Despite his claim, Pistorius confirmed that Berlin will continue to supply Leopard 1 tanks, underscoring that over 100 such tanks will be delivered by the end of 2023.

Russia destroyed Leopard tanks and Bradleys IFVs

Similar to German equipment, US equipment does not seem to be all that reliable for Ukraine, with Russian bombardment taking down Bradley heavy infantry fighting vehicles less than a month after striking the renowned Patriot missile system donated to Ukraine.

Losses from the recent Ukrainian offensive in Zaporozhye, this is a serious loss in armor for absolutely no gain. All of that western trained manpower and material just gone. pic.twitter.com/5FC9GfYNEh
— ayden (@squatsons) June 9, 2023

It is reported that the attacks were carried out using Kornet ATGMs and KA-52 helicopters, both equipped with thermal imaging devices, as well as pre-laid anti-tank mines and artillery fire guided by the usage of drones to correct shots.

Up to 7 M2A2 Bradley heavy infantry fighting vehicles (IFVs) and 4 Leopard-2 tanks were destroyed, damaged, or abandoned during a failed Ukrainian attack on the Zaporozhye front as Kiev's forces suffer serious blows on the frontline. Multiple other vehicles including a mine sweeper suffered the same fate.

Ka 52 strike Ukranian convoy at Orehova pic.twitter.com/E1PyYrfeqV
— ZOKA (@200_zoka) June 9, 2023

At least 2 of the Leopards featured in the footage were of the most modern variant, namely the Leopard 2A6.

The footage seems to coincide with previously reported lower-quality photos and videos that were released earlier and featured some of the destroyed equipment dating back to June 7, showcased in higher-quality videos released today.

⚡Pictures of war
Destruction of Leopards, Bradley's and many other #Ukrainian🇺🇦 equipment at the #Zaporizhzhia frontline.🔥 pic.twitter.com/Cb4BP9eP6e
— chris__759 (@chris__759) June 9, 2023

All the same, German and US equipment are proving to not be long-lasting for Ukraine. Ukraine only has two Patriot air defense systems on its soil, one provided by the US and the other given jointly by Germany and the Netherlands. Just one of these two being out of service would greatly hinder Kiev's ability to defend itself as Russia takes the missile attack route in the war.