Germany gives manufacturers green light to transfer Leopard 1 tanks to Ukraine
The government of Germany has made a conscientious decision to allow military-industrial complex enterprises to transfer Leopard 1 tanks from their stocks to Ukraine, says Federal government spokesman Steffen Hebestreit.
He stated this at a briefing in Berlin, Ukrinform reports.
"I can confirm that there is approval. I can't say more yet," said Hebestreit.
He emphasized the approval procedure and confirmed that the details would be communicated soon.
The spokesman clarified that representatives of the industry approached the government with a corresponding initiative: "They have these tanks, and they are ready to hand them over. But this requires approval."
Regarding the future supply of combat aircraft to Ukraine, Hebestreit noted that "such a discussion is currently not on the agenda."
The Leopard 1 was the first main battle tank produced for the German Army from the mid-1960s to the mid-1980s.
The spokesman of the Ministry of Defense, Arne Collatz, stated that such tanks have not been in service with the Bundeswehr since 2003.
