Ringtausch brings indirect German aid to Ukraine
Leopard 2A4 MBT. (Photo: Rheinmetall)
In a convoluted fashion, Germany is assisting Ukraine via the Czech Republic.
Rheinmetall is supplying the Czech Republic with tanks and other armoured vehicles after the company signed a contract with the German and Czech MoDs on 11 October.
The Czech armed forces will be receiving upgraded Leopard 2A4 MBTs and Buffalo ARV 3 armoured recovery vehicles. In turn, the Czech military will transfer military equipment (probably including T-72 MBTs) to Ukraine under the German government’s “Ringtausch” equipment exchange programme.
Work on the Leopards and Buffalos ‘has already begun’, Rheinmetall noted in a company statement. The first vehicle is due to be shipped in December 2022, with deliveries to be completed by the end of 2023.
The Czech order includes ammunition as well as a service package encompassing training and spare parts.
The German authorities have been reluctant to supply Ukraine directly with the equipment Kyiv is demanding, leading to criticism that the government has been over-reliant on Russian energy supplies.
Related Equipment in Defence Insight
More from Land Warfare
-
![Australian Army experiments with UGVs, but seeks understanding before proliferation]()
Australian Army experiments with UGVs, but seeks understanding before proliferation
The Australian Army is exploring the options and benefits of a wide range of UGVs.
-
![British Army’s Archer hits bullseye for capability and procurement]()
British Army’s Archer hits bullseye for capability and procurement
The Archer artillery system was rushed into service and training of British Army trainers began in October 2023 before live fire trials just over a year later.
-
![NZ begins modernisation of its tactical vehicle fleet]()
NZ begins modernisation of its tactical vehicle fleet
VAMTAC vehicles are expected to replace one-quarter of New Zealand’s Pinzgauers and Unimogs.
-
![Israel’s Elbit Systems riding high and reports almost a billion dollars in orders to close 2024]()
Israel’s Elbit Systems riding high and reports almost a billion dollars in orders to close 2024
Elbit Systems has signed another US$967 million in orders in the past three months after reporting its land revenues increased by 24% for 3Q2024 compared to 3Q 2023 thanks to increasing ammunition and munition sales in Israel.
