First Two Dutch-Danish Leopard 2A4 Tanks for Ukraine Ready for Delivery

The Netherlands and Denmark have announced the imminent delivery of first two of 14 Leopard 2A4 battle tanks main battle tanks, along with ammunition, spare parts, and training support.

The first two tanks are now ready for shipment to Ukraine, with the entire fleet set to be at the disposal of the Ukrainian armed forces by this summer.

Generaal Onno Eichelsheim, the official account of the Netherlands Chief of Defence (CHOD), confirmed the development, stating, “The first two Leopard 2A4's are ready for Ukraine. Together with Denmark, we will deliver 14 main battle tanks, ammunition, spare parts and training capacity. According to plan, the Ukrainian armed forces will have access to all 14 Leopards this summer.”

This initiative is a collaborative effort with German firm Rheinmetall, marking a 14-tank deal committed by the Dutch and Danish governments to support Ukraine's defense initiatives. The delivery, scheduled for summer, includes not only the armored fleet but also an array of spare parts to ensure optimal operation.

The first two Leopard 2A4 tanks, having undergone expert overhauls, are currently in the pre-shipment phase, bound for Poland. These initial tanks will serve as crucial training tools for Ukraine's tank personnel, enhancing their operational capabilities.

German media outlet Hart Punkt predicts that the twelve Leopard 2A4 tanks will play a pivotal role in strengthening the Armed Forces of Ukraine (AFU) in their ongoing standoff with the Russian army.

The Leopard 2A4, developed by Krauss-Maffei Wegmann (KMW) of Munich, Germany, is part of the renowned Leopard 2 series, acknowledged as one of the world's most powerful and capable tank designs. The Leopard 2A4's features, including composite and modular armor, make it highly effective in providing superior protection against diverse threats.

With an operational range of up to 550 kilometers on roads and 450 kilometers off-road, the Leopard 2A4's extended mobility makes it an ideal choice for military campaigns requiring long-distance capabilities. The tank's power is derived from an MTU MB 873 Ka-501 turbocharged diesel engine, delivering 1,500 horsepower.

Armed with a Rheinmetall L44 120mm smoothbore gun and sophisticated fire control systems, the Leopard 2A4 boasts formidable firepower. The tank's armament includes two 7.62mm machine guns for additional support.

Notably, the Danish Leopard 2A4 tanks, known as Leopard 2A5DK, feature upgrades tailored to meet the specific requirements of the Danish Armed Forces, including modular armor on the turret and a battlefield management system. Similarly, the Dutch Leopard 2A4 tanks, also known as Leopard 2NL, have undergone modifications to suit the needs of the Royal Netherlands Army, featuring Dutch communication equipment and a Dutch-built passive night vision system.

These tanks also exhibit differences in camouflage patterns, with the Danish tanks using a two-tone green and black pattern, the Dutch tanks sporting a three-tone NATO camouflage, and the German tanks employing a standard fleck-tarn camouflage pattern.