“In spring” is the date on which, in keeping with Defense Minister Margarita Robles, the Leopard tanks might be able to be despatched to Ukraine, as she revealed throughout her go to to the Adazi base in Latvia.
The minister has additionally affirmed that it’s an acceptable date since earlier than “the bodily presence of the Leopard wouldn’t be mandatory” on the bottom.
He has additionally insisted that this cargo is “a coordinated operation” with different international locations. Robles has reiterated that it will likely be the Leopard 2A4, the oldest and which might be hibernating in Zaragoza, that might be despatched, however he has not revealed the variety of tanks that Spain will ship since “it is determined by the settlement with the allies and the repairs which might be mandatory”.
“Seize the time” for coaching of Ukrainian army for 2 months
The minister insisted that the deadlines additionally embody “army coaching and upkeep”, since each points are “important keys for the deployment” of the battle tanks in Ukraine.
Spain, after the assembly this Thursday with Germany and different allies, provided to coach fifty Ukrainian troopers in dealing with Leopard tanks. The instruction might be in Spain, which is the place there are simulators and will final for 2 and a half months.
The minister, accompanied by the JEMAD (Chief of the Army Staff), Teodoro Esteban López Calderón, visited the 650 Spanish troops working below the NATO umbrella in Latvia this Friday. There, simply 180 kilometers from the Russian border, Spain has deployed six Leopard 2Es, the most recent mannequin of these tanks that might be despatched to Ukraine.
The 4 troopers 🪖 from the crew of a Leopard 2E important battle tank clear the 120 mm cannon on the bottom earlier than going into motion. Force integration workouts enhance interoperability of deployed multinational items in @NATO’s #eFP 🇱🇻. pic.twitter.com/hsRWcROSCr
– Ministry of Defense (@Defensagob) January 26, 2023
Robles, when requested in regards to the state of affairs of Unidas Podemos relating to the cargo of arms, has affirmed that they’re “working for peace” and that “that is one of the simplest ways to defend the residents of Ukraine”