The Leopard-2 is recognized as one of the most outstanding and well-balanced Main Battle Vehicles (MBT) available today.

The picture shows the latest improved version of "Leopard-2A7A1", which is equipped with the Israeli "Trophy" (Trophy) active defense system (APS).

(Taken from the official website of the Israeli Ministry of Defense)

[Compilation of Chen Chengliang/Comprehensive Report] The Russo-Ukraine war lasted for nearly a year. Ukraine asked European and American countries to aid Western main tanks, and specifically named the German-made "Leopard 2" (Leopard 2). Poland, Spain, Finland and other countries followed suit He expressed his willingness to send the "Leopard-2" owned by his country to Kyiv, but Germany, which has export veto power, has repeatedly rejected relevant requests.

However, according to a report by Der Spiegel on the 24th, German Chancellor Scholz decided to give the green light!

According to reports, Germany intends to provide Ukraine with at least one company of "Leopard-2A6" main combat vehicles. According to NATO standards, there are about 14 vehicles.

"Leopard-2A6" is an advanced version of "Leopard-2A4" that several European countries intend to aid Ukraine, including the main weapon changed to a 120mm L55 smoothbore gun and many other improvements.

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The decision was apparently made after several days of intensive consultations with allies, especially the United States, the report said.

German Chancellor Scholz emphasized that he only wants to cooperate with other countries to provide Ukraine with main tanks.

According to an exclusive report from The Wall Street Journal on the 24th, the Biden administration of the United States also plans to assist Ukraine with the M1 Abrams MBT after negotiations with Germany, and may announce the delivery this week.

So far, the German government, foreign ministry and defense ministry have not responded to the report by Der Spiegel.

Earlier, Germany had received a formal request from Poland to provide the Leopard-2 to Ukraine. Bloomberg pointed out earlier that Berlin may announce a decision within this week.

The main battle tank (Main Battle Tank, MBT) can be understood as a combat tank that has the technical characteristics of a modern tank and undertakes the main combat mission in battle.

Ukraine insisted on obtaining the "Leopard-2" main tank. In addition to its superior performance and firepower crushing Russian-made tanks, it also considered that it is most suitable for the geological conditions of Ukraine. Even in the soft black soil of Ukraine, it can still travel 70 kilometers. Mercedes-Benz.

"Leopard-2" is a main tank mainly used in the German Bundeswehr. It has a number of models from A1 to A7. It is recognized as one of the most excellent and balanced main tanks today. The mass-produced "Leopard-2" family members were divided into 8 batches and produced between 1985 and 1992. All older versions were also upgraded to A4 by the way. Computer control supports new types of ammunition, etc.

In 2021, Germany will install the "Trophy" (Trophy) active defense system (APS) developed by Israel Raphael on its active "Leopard-2A7" main tank, and further improve it into "Leopard-2A7A1", scheduled for 2023 Included in the NATO High Readiness Task Force.

The "Leopard-2A4" main tank is the largest mass-produced "Leopard-2" series.

(Reuters file photo)