War in Ukraine: “Abrams”, “Leopard”, “Challenger” … an arsenal of tanks promised by the West

The West takes a decisive step and moves up the market. After weeks of hesitation United States andGermany announced on Wednesday the delivery of heavy tanks to Ukraine. Following them, other countries promised to send armored vehicles in the near future. Kyiv has been calling in about 300 tanks from the West since December to conduct counteroffensives, and the arrival of spring raises fears about the start of a large-scale Russian operation in the Donbass. According to recent statements by its allies, Ukraine could receive about 150 units, according to General Dominique Trinquan, the former head of the French military mission to the UN.

Washington announced the dispatch of 31 Abrams tanks. German Chancellor Olaf Scholz promised 14 Leopard 2 A6 tanks, which are considered among the best in the world. The task, the German government clarifies, is to quickly form two battalions for Ukraine, that is, almost 80 vehicles. Added to this are 14 64-ton Challenger 2 counter-attack tanks capable of moving at a speed of 50 km / h and equipped with a 120-mm cannon, promised in mid-January UNITED KINGDOM.

Poland He had already said he was ready to supply 14 German-designed Leopard 2 A4s – older and less advanced than the A6 – but was waiting for the green light from Olaf Scholz, which was finally received on Wednesday. On the same day, Norway announced that it would also participate in the transfer of battle tanks, without giving any numbers or dates. According to the Norwegian newspaper Dagens Næringsliv, there will be between four and eight Leopard 2 A4s. L’Spain for its part, has confirmed that it is “ready” to put in its Leopards – from 20 to 50, according to El País, which will make it the most important donor. Finland will also participate in international efforts, the country said on Wednesday, but its contribution “cannot be too great, given (its) defense capabilities.”

As for promises yet to be made official, Portugal said he could give four Leopard 2 A6s. Netherlands they will consider the delivery of 18 Leopard 2A4 tanks, according to the Frankfurter Allgemeine Zeitung newspaper and Denmark should also give some armor.

Train Ukrainian soldiers

With the support of these tanks, Ukrainian forces hope to break out of the trench warfare and break through Russia’s defense lines. But it will be necessary to obtain “a critical mass of armored vehicles, that is, all announcements,” notes Dominic Trinquan. “You don’t go on the offensive in groups of ten. »

How long will it take before these tanks crash across the field? Ukrainian troops must first be trained in their use. The presence of Leopard tanks in Poland, a country bordering Ukraine, should contribute to this. Berlin, optimistic, hopes to hand over its 14 tanks earlier – “the end of March, the beginning of April.” As for the Abrams, Dominic Trinkwan suggests that “those in stock in Ramstein (Germany) will be used first and then supplemented by others from the United States.” Cautious US officials said delivery could take “months or even years”.

The delivery of heavy tanks by Kyiv’s allies is not unprecedented. Eastern European countries such as Poland and the Czech Republic have provided the Ukrainian army with nearly 300 Soviet-designed armored vehicles since the start of the war. “Most of them were destroyed,” notes Dominic Trinquan.

Light tanks will also go into service with Ukraine. Washington pledged last Thursday to provide 59 Bradleys, having already announced delivery 50 weeks earlier. Germany will provide 40 armored vehicles Marder, France AMX-10 RC. The latter should arrive in Ukraine at the end of winter.