Netherlands and Denmark to Deliver 14 Leopard 2A4 Tanks to Ukraine.

This summer, Ukraine will receive 14 Leopard 2A4 tanks, purchased by the Netherlands and Denmark. These battle tanks have been refurbished and tested over the past few months, according to Minister Ruben Brekelmans. The Dutch Ministry of Defense announced this news on July 25, 2024.
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The Dutch Leopard 2A4 Main Battle Tank. (Picture source: Dutch MoD)

Last year, the Netherlands and Denmark acquired 14 previously used Leopard 2A4 tanks, refurbished by the German company Rheinmetall. Ukraine will use these tanks to combat Russian aggression.

The final two Leopard 2 tanks underwent their verification tests yesterday and today as part of the delivery process. The first 12 tanks have already been prepared for shipment, and all 14 will be delivered simultaneously by the end of the summer.

Minister Brekelmans stated, “Ukraine urgently needs additional military support given the intense fighting on the battlefield. These tanks can play a crucial role in helping the Ukrainian army defend against Russian forces. The Netherlands, alongside allies and partners, will continue to support Ukraine as long as necessary. It is vital to protect Ukraine and keep Putin’s aggression at bay.”

The Leopard 2A4 is an advanced battle tank, armed with a 120mm L55 smoothbore gun, a coaxial 7.62mm machine gun, and an anti-aircraft 7.62mm machine gun mounted on the loader’s hatch. Designed in Germany, it features spaced multilayer armor, offering enhanced protection at the front of the turret, with spall liners inside the turret for additional protection.

Used by many countries, including Austria, Canada, Chile, the Czech Republic, Denmark, Finland, Germany, Greece, Indonesia, Norway, Poland, Portugal, Singapore, Switzerland, Sweden, Slovakia, Spain, Turkey, and Ukraine, the Leopard 2A4 weighs 62 tons in combat condition.

This tank can reach a maximum road speed of 72 km/h and has an operational range of 500 km. It is also equipped with accessories such as infrared night vision and an NBC (nuclear, biological, chemical) protection system. The Leopard 2A4 is operated by a crew of four and measures 7.70 m in length, 3.70 m in width, and 3.00 m in height.

The Leopard 2A4 tanks will significantly enhance Ukraine's battlefield capabilities, offering substantial firepower, crew protection, and speed. However, this is not the only aid the Netherlands has provided or will provide to Ukraine.

The Netherlands has supplied Ukraine with a wide range of military equipment and support since the conflict began. In terms of fighter jets, they pledged 42 F-16 Fighting Falcons in August 2023, with deliveries starting in 2024, and purchased €150 million worth of munitions for these jets, with an additional €300 million worth of munitions pledged in July 2024.

Regarding air defense systems, two Patriot launchers and missiles were delivered in April 2023, with additional missiles promised in October 2023. In November 2022, 12 AIM-120 AMRAAMs for NASAMS II systems were delivered. Concerning mobile anti-aircraft guns, 100 MR-2 mobile anti-aircraft guns will be delivered after their purchase and upgrade by the Czech Republic, and 20 Bofors 40L70s were delivered starting in March 2023.

Self-propelled artillery includes eight 155mm PzH 2000s delivered from June 2022 after training was completed in May 2022, as well as nine 155mm DITA guns announced in February 2024. For tanks, the Netherlands delivered 45 T-72 Avengers starting in December 2022, 33 Leopard 1A5s in cooperation with Germany and Denmark, and seven of the 14 Leopard 2A4s in cooperation with Denmark.

This extensive support is only a fraction of the aid provided by the Netherlands. The country remains one of the most proactive in assisting Ukraine in its conflict with Russia, and these 14 Leopard 2A4 tanks will undoubtedly bolster Ukraine's front lines.

Ukraine will receive 14 Leopard 2A4 tanks, purchased by the Netherlands and Denmark. (Picture source: Dutch MoD)