After heavy pressure from the outside world and long hesitation, the German government decided on Tuesday to donate at least one company of Leopard 2 tanks to the Armed Forces of Ukraine, which means 10-12 tanks.
In addition, the 20 or so nations that use the German-built wagon were formally given the go-ahead to export their examples.
This is stated by der Spiegel, but the information has not yet been officially confirmed.
Poland and a number of other countries have already agreed to jointly send around 100 Leopards to Ukraine, reports ABC News.
"Understand the caution"
Jörgen Elfving says he understands the German caution, which he believes is based on historical factors.
- One is that, since Bismarck's time, Germany has had a good relationship with Russia, apart from the two world wars.
They would like to get it back once the Ukraine crisis is over.
The second is the German attack on the Soviet Union in 1941. Russia has already made a propaganda number that reads "again German tanks in Ukraine" which evokes some associations.
On Tuesday, Reuters also reported that the Biden administration appears to be about to change its mind and send Abrams tanks to Ukraine.
In the past, Great Britain has promised about ten tanks of the Challenger 2 model. Ukraine has said it needs heavy tanks to be able to regain areas occupied by Russia.
Comparable impact power
Jörgen Elfving assesses that the Leopard 2 is equivalent to the most modern Russian T-90 and T-72.
As for the mobile and accurate artillery system Archer, Russia has no counterpart other than at the development stage.
On the other hand, Elfving believes that the S-400 air defense system is comparable to Patriot, which Ukraine will also only have limited access to.
Germany, the United States and the Netherlands have said they are ready to send the Patriot as soon as the Ukrainian soldiers are trained on the system.
As for Archer, it is Sweden that is responsible for the delivery, unclear exactly when.
Can more arms to Ukraine help end the war faster?
- It affects military events, but it is how the materiel is used on the battlefield that decides.
Like spirit, morals and the Ukrainian will to resist, says Jörgen Elfving.
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The Archer artillery system is to be sent to Ukraine in a new support package.
That's how it works.
Photo: Ulrika Wänkkö/SVT