The latest information wants Germany to pressure Greece to send 100 Leopard tanks to Ukraine, and then to buy 100 German armored vehicles and upgrade the existing ones, for 3,1 billion euros.
The federal ministry of defense had contacts during Easter with its counterpart Greek ministry, requesting this move, as claimed by the German Business Insider. Already at this moment, Greece has 500 Leopard 1s, which puts it in first place among the countries with the largest Leopard fleet in Europe.
According to the German media, what the government of Germany is asking for is to transfer the tanks to Ukraine after they are upgraded, something that has not been clarified if it will finally take place as the federal government does not want to sign a relevant memorandum at the moment. But what is becoming clear is that the tanks (around 100) will first be upgraded at Germany's expense and then delivered to Ukraine.
As the German Ministry of Defense stated: "as usual, we are in close contact with our partner Greece, and on matters of support for Ukraine. However, due to the confidentiality of these arrangements, no details can be shared."
It goes without saying that there has been no position from the Greek side.
In the event that the tanks are indeed delivered to Ukraine, this means that a new circular exchange of weapons systems is coming to the fore. The Rheinmetall group had already requested 2 months ago from Switzerland to buy 96 used Leopard 1 which it would upgrade to deliver to Ukraine. This request was rejected by Switzerland, which did not want to deliver tanks to a warring country.
Following this move, Germany's request to Greece raises concerns, as in recent months the Rheinmetall and Krauss Maffei Wegmann groups have been negotiating with the Greek government for the sale of 205 Lynx armored personnel carriers, and the repair of 100 Leopard tanks, with a total cost 3,1 billion euros.
In the wake of all these behind-the-scenes discussions, the Greek government sets its terms for its weapons program, but the German federal government has so far refused to sign the pact.
Source https://www.militaire.gr/ – Photo Image license by freepik.com
