Spain to Send Second Batch of Leopard 2A4 Tanks to Ukraine by Late June.

Spain is preparing to deliver a significant military aid package to Ukraine. Defense Minister Margarita Robles announced that in just over a month, by late June, the second batch of Leopard 2A4 tanks will be shipped, accompanied by a new delivery of Patriot anti-aircraft missiles and various types of ammunition, including 155mm artillery shells.
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The Leopard 2A4 is a main battle tank designed by Germany. (Picture source: KMW)

At the ministerial meeting of the Ukraine Defense Contact Group, Robles revealed that Spain will also provide anti-drone systems, optronic surveillance and tracking systems, and remote weapon turrets, among other equipment.

The upcoming signing of a bilateral security agreement with the country will bolster Spain's long-term support for Ukraine. Accompanied by Admiral Juan Francisco Martínez Núñez, Secretary General of Defense Policy, Robles reaffirmed Spain's commitment to support Ukraine as long as necessary and praised the effectiveness and unity of the Contact Group. A meeting was convened by U.S. Secretary of Defense Lloyd Austin and attended by Ukrainian Defense Minister Rustem Umerov.

As usual, the first part of the meeting included updates on the critical situation on the ground, particularly the Russian offensive around Kharkiv and attacks on Ukrainian civilian infrastructure. This was followed by presentations on the most urgent needs of the Ukrainian Armed Forces and their long-term requirements.

During the ministers' speeches, Robles emphasized the collective obligation to "urgently provide the support that Ukraine deserves and needs" given the critical situation on the ground. She highlighted Spain's considerable efforts, particularly in training, and provided updates on the preparation of the substantial aid package to be delivered to Ukraine with contributions from the Spanish defense industry.

Spain has already sent tanks to the Ukrainian Armed Forces. In 2023, it had sent nearly 10 Leopard 2A4 tanks and began preparing the delivery of 19 more Leopard 2A4s.

The Leopard 2A4 is a main battle tank designed by Germany, characterized by its firepower, enhanced protection, and mobility. Its primary armament includes a 120mm L55 smoothbore gun, accompanied by a coaxial 7.62mm machine gun and an anti-aircraft 7.62mm machine gun mounted on the loader's hatch. This tank features standard-spaced multilayer armor, with improved protection over the front of the turret and spall liners inside the turret to enhance crew safety. Used by numerous countries, the Leopard 2A4 is recognized for its combat effectiveness. It weighs 62,000 kg in combat conditions, allowing it to reach a maximum road speed of 72 km/h.

The Leopard 2A4 has accessories such as infrared night vision and an NBC (nuclear, biological, and chemical) protection system, increasing its operational capabilities in various environments. It has a range of 500 km, enabling prolonged deployments without frequent refueling. With a crew of four, this tank measures 7.70 meters in length, 3.70 meters in width, and 3.00 meters in height, offering an optimal balance of firepower, protection, and mobility on the battlefield.

The precise date of the delivery of the second batch of Leopard 2A4 tanks has not been disclosed, likely for security reasons. While the support of battle tanks is paramount for the forces, a small number of such tanks will not alter the balance of power on the Ukrainian front.