Rheinmetall Group to begin tank servicing in Ukraine, eyes local production

German defense conglomerate Rheinmetall Group is poised to launch tank servicing operations in Ukraine later this month, the company’s CEO Armin Papperger revealed.

File photo dated February 2, 2023 shows the hangars of the OIP company, owner of around fifty Leopard 1 tanks decommissioned and bought from the Belgian army in Tournai, Belgium. Dozens of second-hand Leopard 1 tanks that once belonged to Belgium have been bought by another European country for Ukrainian forces fighting Russia's invasion, the arms

Photo: Monasse T/ANDBZ/ABACAPRESS.COM

In an exclusive interview with Frankfurter Allgemeine Sonntagszeitung, Papperger unveiled plans for the service debut by the end of the current month.

He also highlighted rigorous training of Ukrainian personnel in Germany, ensuring efficient execution of tank servicing tasks on the field.

The collaboration involves Leopard tanks supply, pivotal in reclaiming territories under Russian occupation. Moreover, the CEO affirmed the company’s strategic aim to initiate tank production in Ukraine soon, with the aim to transform Soviet-era tank facilities into productive centers, manufacturing NATO-standard machines on dedicated production lines.

Papperger added that "local production is our focus, pivotal for Ukraine's self-sufficiency in weapons manufacturing."

(jh)

Source: PAP