Ukraine conflict: Leopard 2s begin to arrive, Sweden offers up to 10 of its own

The first four Leopard 2A4 tanks were delivered to Ukraine on 24 February in the presence of Ukrainian Prime Minister Denys Shmyhal (second from left), Poland's Council of Ministers Chairman Mateusz Morawiecki (centre), and Ukrainian Defence Minister Oleksii Reznikov (second from right). (Ukrainian MoD)

The first four Leopard 2 main battle tanks arrived in Ukraine on 24 February, the country's Ministry of Defence (MoD) announced on its website the evening of the same day. The four Leopard 2A4s were delivered in the presence of Ukrainian Prime Minister Denys Shmyhal, Poland's Council of Ministers Chairman Mateusz Morawiecki, and Ukrainian Defence Minister Oleksii Reznikov.

The delivery of the tanks took place on the first anniversary of the Russian invasion of Ukraine. The Ukrainian MoD noted that the delivery came a month after the formation of a “tank coalition” of countries operating the Leopard 2 on 25 January.

Germany leads a coalition of countries that have Leopard 2A6s, providing Ukraine 14 of the tanks, with Portugal supplying four and Spain reportedly four to six tanks. Poland leads a coalition of Leopard 2A4 operators, providing 14 of the tanks, with Canada supplying four and Norway eight.

In addition, Sweden announced in a press release on 24 February that it is supplying up to 10 Leopard 2 tanks to Ukraine. Sweden operates Leopard 2A5s, according to Janes World Armies. Finland is sending three Leopard 2R mine-clearing tanks to Ukraine.

The Ukrainian MoD noted that “intensive training” of Leopard tank crews is under way.

Leopard 2 donations to UkraineCountryNumberVersionGermany14Leopard 2A6Portugal4Leopard 2A6Spain4–6Leopard 2A6SwedenUp to 10Leopard 2A5Poland14Leopard 2A4Canada4Leopard 2A4Norway8Leopard 2A4Janes