The Spanish defense company Santa Barbara Systems has completed the repair and restoration of the first batch of 10 Leopard 2A4 tanks. They should be delivered to Ukraine in the near future. Nine more tanks are to be restored by Santa Barbara Systems by September 2024.
The Spanish government announced its intention to transfer 19 Leopard 2A4 tanks to Ukraine this year in March. These vehicles are being restored at the facilities in Seville. The first 10 Leopard 2A4s that Spain handed over to the Armed Forces of Ukraine were repaired there last year.
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According to Infodefensa, there are several important details that are worth paying special attention to. First of all, the Spanish defense industry has fulfilled its obligations and managed to restore the first batch of 10 Leopard 2A4 tanks in 3 months. These tanks were in poor condition after being put into storage back in 2012.
Secondly, the Minister of Defense of Spain Margarita Robles confirmed her intention to provide Ukraine with tanks during Ramstein meeting on May 21, 2024. She said that "the first one will be ready at the end of June this year."
According to Infodefensa, Spain is on track to fulfill its commitments to deliver Leopard 2A4 tanks to the Armed Forces of Ukraine. Therefore, the actual delivery of these tanks to Ukraine should be expected "in the next few days."
Infodefensa also reports that all 10 refurbished tanks have successfully passed the serviceability checks of all components and assemblies during field tests. This is a confirmation that Ukraine should expect the delivery of these vehicles within the timeframe outlined above.
Earlier Defense Express reported about arrival of the third German Patriot SAM system to Ukraine.
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