Greece Might Send Leopard 1 Tanks to Ukraine

, 28 August 2023, 15:02

Germany has approached Greece with an offer to send 100 currently in use Greek Leopard 1A5 tanks to Ukraine, receiving in return upgraded armoured vehicles.

As reported by the Greek media Flight, in exchange for the old Leopard 1A5 tanks, Greece could receive upgraded tanks from Italian stocks on a one-to-one basis.

In this arrangement, Germany would cover the costs of a complete overhaul on Greek facilities or any other location chosen by the Greek government.

Additionally, these armoured vehicles would be equipped with modern thermal imagers, also used in Leopard 2 tanks. The tanks would also receive additional armour.

The only requirement from Germany is to provide functional tanks, as Greek Leopard 1A5 tanks have not been updated in any way for more than three decades.

The tank exchange could take place based on a three-way agreement. Ukraine could receive Greek BMP-1 vehicles in exchange for Germany providing Greek Marder 1 armoured vehicles.

Earlier, media reported that the Greek government decided to terminate the contract with Russia for maintaining the Tor-M1 and Osa-AKM air defence missile systems in service with the country's army. It is speculated that these systems might be sent to Ukraine in the future.

In addition, Greece will participate in the training of Ukrainians on F-16 aircraft.