It was announced on Tuesday that the Netherlands, together with Germany and Denmark, are supplying Ukraine with at least a hundred Leopard 1A5 main battle tanks. While they are a bit more vulnerable and have less firepower than their modern successor, the Leopard 2, they are quite a valuable addition to Kiev, according to former commander de Kruif. “Certainly when Ukraine suffers losses in the planned offensives.”
It will be some time before Ukraine too can use the old tanks in the field, says de Kruif. They’ve been sitting still for years, so they need to be combat-ready again. Plus, you have to train Ukrainians for it. “If you have a basic understanding of a tank, you can master it in four to five weeks.” The Netherlands has announced that it will also contribute to tank crew training.
Two challenges: spare parts and ammunition
Old tanks present two big challenges. Spare parts are one of them. Manufacturer Rheinmetall will have to collect it from various places. “The advantage is that other types of tanks also have the same chassis as the Leopard 1, so it’s not that bad.” The other challenge, ammunition, is therefore the bigger one, according to de Kruif. “It’s different than for modern tanks.” It will be hard to find enough.
Follow developments in Ukraine here on our live blog.