OSLO: Norway announced on Monday that it had delivered eight Leopard 2 tanks to Ukraine to counter Russia’s offensive, a contribution that, along with those of other nations, will be “decisive” for an upcoming Ukrainian counter-offensive.
“The eight Leo (Leopard) 2 Tanks are all in Ukraine,” Stine Barclay Gaasland, a spokeswoman for the Norwegian Armed Forces, said.
Norway announced in February that it would deliver eight of its ageing Leopard 2A4 Tanks to Ukraine.
Norway intends to replace the existing tanks with the more modern Leopard 2A7s and has already ordered 54.
Norway announces additional support for Ukraine
“The donation of tanks will be decisive for Ukraine to their ability to conduct offensive operations and regain the lands occupied by Russia,” head of Norway’s Armoured Battalion, lieutenant colonel Lars Jensen, said in a statement.
In addition to the tanks, Norway has announced to provide Ukraine with up to four support vehicles, spare parts, and ammunition.
Ukrainian military is currently being trained to operate the tanks in Poland under the auspices of the European Union (EU), said the Norwegian Armed Forces.
Several other nations, including Germany, Sweden, Poland, Spain, Canada, and Finland, have also delivered or promised Leopard tanks to Ukraine.
