German Rheinmetall, one of the largest military equipment manufacturers in the world, is interested in supplying KF-51 Panthers, their newest tank, and other equipment to Ukraine, provided that the federal government will give permission for export.
The information comes from Armin Papperger, Executive Director of Rheinmetall, in an interview to Handelsblatt, reports European Pravda.
“We are negotiating with Kyiv in regards to the export of Panther tanks,” he stated.
According to Papperger, Ukraine supports the decision and has also shown interest in the Lynx, a modern infantry fighting vehicle.
Rheinmetall has presented Panthers on an exhibition in Paris in 2022; the tank claims to be one of the most powerful in the world. Ukraine might potentially become one of the first buyers.
The tank currently exists only in the form of a demonstration model, but the concern assures that they can deliver the first machines in 15-18 months. It is possible to assemble the tanks in Germany or Hungary, but the consent of the German government is required for export, since it is a German development.
Panther KF-51 was developed based on Leopard 2 tanks and is most convenient for countries that already have Leopards in service. As is known, Ukraine is to receive the first such tanks from the Allies in the coming months.
Earlier, the Minister of Defense of Germany announced a “tank summit” of the countries that are transferring Leopard tanks to Ukraine.
Source: yahoo
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