Spain might transfer up to 6 Leopard 2A4 tanks to Ukraine in the first delivery – El País

The Spanish government is considering transferring 4 to 6 Leopard 2A4 tanks to Ukraine.

El País reported this with reference to its own sources.

The final figure for the equipment transferred will depend on the condition of the 53 tanks stored at the base in Zaragoza.

The amount included in the first delivery – 4 or 6 Leopard 2A4s – will also depend on their technical condition.

Currently, Spain is actively negotiating the possibility of restoring the equipment with the industry.

It is noted that the main goal of the “tank coalition” is to transfer the first equipment to Ukraine as quickly as possible so that the Armed Forces of Ukraine would have two tank battalions by the spring.

Spain will also train the Ukrainian crews. The training period is planned to last 2.5 months. During this time, the equipment will also be modernized.

The timeline is considered sufficient to train the military forces of Ukraine. Special simulators, such as Steel Beast, will also be used for training.

The estimated cost of restoring one combat vehicle is half a million euros.

Coordination will take place at the San Gregorio National Training Centre (CNAD), on the outskirts of Zaragoza.

Dynamic Leopard simulators for reproducing the movements of an armored vehicle, as well as four tower simulators from the Spanish Indra, are located there.

The center also has several Leopard 2A4s. This is the model that the Armed Forces of Ukraine will receive in the near future. Therefore, training will also be conducted using these tanks at the nearby training ground with an area of over 30,000 hectares.

At least 10 crews consisting of a driver, a gunner, and a tank commander, as well as service personnel, are planned to participate in the training.

The publication also notes that the Ministry of Defense of Spain might supply Kyiv with a package of spare parts for Leopard 2. This is a basic element for the logistic chains to maintain the equipment.

However, problems might arise with the supply of ammunition, since Spain does not manufacture them. This need would have to be met from the army’s reserves.

El País reported that last week, the first meeting of the “tank coalition” took place in video conference mode, which was convened by German Defense Minister Boris Pistorius. His colleagues from Canada, Portugal, Spain, the Netherlands, and Finland participated in it.

Poland and Norway will also transfer Leopard 2A4 tanks to Ukraine.