 |
| Slovakia to Receive 15 Leopard 2A4 Tank, Replacement for 30 BVP-1 Tank Donated to Ukraine |
Bratislava - Slovakia will receive 15 units of Leopard 2A4 main battle tanks from German arms company Rheinmetall. This is a substitute for the 30 BPV-1 infantry fighting vehicles (Bojove Vozidlo Pechoty-1) donated by Slovakia to Ukraine.
The Leopard 2A4 tank underwent an upgrade before being transferred to Slovakia. Under the contract, the Slovak Armed Forces will receive 15 Leopard 2A4 tanks, their ammunition, training and spare parts. Rheinmetall will deliver the first tanks to Slovakia in December 2022 with contract completion in 2023.
Meanwhile, Slovak Deputy Defense Minister Marian Majer said the Slovak government will donate 30 BVP-1 vehicles to Kyiv in the coming weeks. The Czech-made vehicle is a light amphibious armored infantry fighting vehicle that has high maneuverability and advanced weaponry.
The 13 ton BVP-1 has undergone increased firepower with a 73 mm Type 71 gun and launch rails for anti-tank guided missiles. Last October, Rheinmetall supplied the Czech Republic with Leopard 2A4 tanks in return for supporting Kyiv with military equipment.