NATO allies failed to deliver combat-ready tanks to Ukraine in 2023
German, Danish, and Dutch services delivered 20 tanks to Ukraine in 2023, none ready for frontline combat. As a result, the Ukrainian army decided not to accept the equipment, causing delays in frontline operations. Experts starkly state that it is an unbelievable shame for the mentioned countries.
12:08 PM EDT, May 26, 2024
Recall that in 2023, Germany, Denmark, and the Netherlands promised to deliver 28 Leopard 1 tanks to Ukraine. The equipment could have been a tremendous reinforcement for the troops fighting against Russia, but it was not used on the frontline.
It turned out that 20 tanks from the first batch, which reached the Ukrainian army in September 2023, were defective. The equipment had problems with onboard computers and brakes. It was not suitable for combat use.
Biełsat reports that the Ukrainians ultimately refused to accept the tanks. The military vehicles were sent for repairs, and Danish mechanics eventually fixed the defects. In January 2024, with a significant delay, 28 machines were sent to the front.
They were promised operational tanks that could help in combat, but they did not receive them. This is, of course, a shame, said Peter Viggo Jakobsen, a lecturer at the Danish Military Academy, in an interview with Danmarks Radio.
90 Leopard 1 tanks have been repaired and adapted for frontline combat. Not all, however, are fighting within the ranks of the Ukrainian army. Why? The Danish Ministry of National Defense does not want to disclose this. Officials cite "security reasons."
It's worth noting that earlier, Ukraine had a problem with the AMX-10 RC armored reconnaissance vehicles delivered by France. The equipment was not suitable for combat due to its fragile armor.
