United to win: Netherlands, Denmark, and Spain donate Leopard 2 tanks and Hawk air defense system

The Netherlands and Denmark have purchased 14 Leopard 2A4 tanks for Ukraine, which will be shipped this summer. The combat vehicles have undergone repairs and testing in the past few months. Additionally, Spain will deliver another Hawk anti-aircraft missile system battery to Ukraine.

The Ministry of Defense of the Netherlands and the Minister of Defense of Spain, Margarita Robles, announced this.

Tanks

"14 Leopard 2A4 tanks, purchased for Ukraine by the Netherlands and Denmark, will be sent to the war-torn country this summer. In recent months, the battle tanks have been repaired and tested," the message reads.

It should be noted that the Netherlands and Denmark acquired 14 Leopard 2A4 tanks last year. These tanks were previously used and were refurbished and repaired by the German company Rheinmetall. Ukraine could utilize these tanks in the battle against the Russian aggressor.

The last two Leopard 2 tanks are currently undergoing verification tests as part of the delivery. The first 12 tanks have already been sent. All 14 tanks will be delivered simultaneously by the end of the summer.

"Ukraine urgently needs more military support given the heavy fighting. These tanks can play an essential role in defense against Russian forces. The Netherlands, along with allies and partners, will continue supporting Ukraine as long as necessary. This is extremely important to protect Ukraine and deter Putin's aggression," the Minister of Defense of the Netherlands, Ruben Brekelmans, said.

The presence of Leopard 2A4s could potentially give Ukraine an advantage in battle. These tanks possess formidable firepower, offer excellent protection for crews, and are highly mobile.

The Netherlands is part of the international tank coalition, which supplies Ukraine with modern battle tanks.

Leopard 1 tanks are also supplied. Denmark and Germany participate in this project.

Air defense

Spain's Minister of Defense, Margarita Robles, announced during a meeting with her Ukrainian counterpart, Rustem Umerov, that Spain would hand over another battery of the Hawk anti-aircraft missile system to Ukraine.

According to her, this battery should be ready by September and another complex of this air defense system "will strengthen the air defense potential of Ukraine's armed forces."

In addition, Robles and Umerov discussed the process of training the Ukrainian military in Spain—there are currently 5,000 of them.

The Minister of Defense of Ukraine thanked Spain for its essential and unconditional support.

For reference:

On July 15, Spain began transferring a new batch of military aid to Ukraine. This aid includes ten Leopard 2A4 battle tanks, several backhoe loaders, and many anti-tank missiles.

The Minister of Defense of the Netherlands, Ruben Breckelmans, said that F-16 fighters from the Netherlands will arrive in Ukraine soon.

As reported, the Netherlands has already completed the necessary permit to export F-16 fighter jets, which will be transferred to Ukraine. The first plane will be sent to Ukraine soon. Also, ten Ukrainian servicemen underwent training in the Netherlands to maintain F-16 combat aircraft.