Ukraine has the opportunity to receive Leopard 1 tanks from Greece with the assistance of Germany. The German government has offered to transfer Leopard 1A5 tanks to Greece in exchange for modernized vehicles.
According to the Greek publication Flight, the exchange between Germany, Greece and Ukraine aims to replace outdated Greek Leopard 1A5 tanks with updated vehicles with a new EMES 18 fire control system and thermal imaging sights. The tanks will also receive additional armor protection.
The exchange may include up to 100 Greek tanks, with Germany covering all modernization and transportation costs. A prerequisite on the part of Germany is that the tanks be transferred in working order, which makes this offer significant as many Greek tanks are not in a combat-ready condition due to lack of overhaul.
This exchange of equipment is similar to previous deals, when Ukraine received Greek BMP-1s in exchange for German Marder 1s. Under these deals, Ukraine received the same number of vehicles as Germany transferred to Greece.
The total number of Leopard 1 tanks in Greece is approximately 500, mostly Leopard 1A5/GR tanks. However, many of them are already outdated and not ready for combat operations. The German Leopard 1A5s are modernized versions of the Leopard 1A3 tanks and have a more advanced EMES 12A3 fire control system.
The tank exchange agreement could help Ukraine obtain modern equipment that would be useful for its defense capabilities.
