The Canadian Armed Forces currently has 82 German-made Leopard 2 battle tanks, but they are in various states of serviceability…reports Asian Lite News
Canadian Defence Minister Anita Anand is set to announce that his country will be sending four battle tanks to Ukraine.
In addition to the initial four Leopard 2 tanks, Canada is considering sending more tanks at a later date, CTV News reported, citing government sources.
The Canadian Armed Forces currently has 82 German-made Leopard 2 battle tanks, but they are in various states of serviceability, Xinhua news agency reported, citing the report.
On Wednesday, Germany and the US announced they would be organising the shipment of dozens of Leopard 2 tanks to Ukraine.
US President Joe Biden announced on Wednesday that he would provide 31 M1 Abrams tanks to Ukraine, reversing the administration’s longstanding opposition to Kyiv’s requests for the highly sophisticated but maintenance-intensive vehicles, according to CNN.
On the same day, German Chancellor Olaf Scholz also announced sending Leopard 2 tanks to Ukraine in order to help them fight the Russian aggression in the ongoing conflict.
The simultaneous announcements marked a watershed moment after weeks of intense pressure on Berlin from some NATO allies to aid Ukraine with armoured vehicles.
According to the government statement, Germany’s goal is to assemble two tank battalions of Leopard 2 tanks for Ukraine.
In the first step, Berlin will provide a company of 14 Leopard 2 A6 tanks from Bundeswehr stocks, with training for Ukrainian crews to begin in Germany as soon as possible. In addition to training, the package will include logistics, ammunition, and system maintenance, CNN reported.
Furthermore, as Biden has given his approval for the vehicles to be sent, the 31 Abrams will constitute an entire Ukrainian tank battalion. (IANS/ANI)