A European country, which remains unnamed due to a confidentiality clause, has acquired dozens of second-hand Leopard 1 tanks from Belgium for Ukrainian forces engaged in conflict against Russia’s invasion. The arms trader responsible for the deal, Freddy Versluys, CEO of OIP Land Systems, revealed that he had purchased the old tanks from the Belgian government over five years ago.
Earlier this year, Belgian Defence Minister Ludivine Dedonder had explored the option of buying back obsolete tanks to support Ukraine but encountered unreasonable prices. This incident underscored the dilemma faced by Western governments when attempting to find arms for Ukraine – discarded and obsolete weapons are now in high demand, often owned by private companies.
Versluys disclosed that he had sold all 50 tanks to the undisclosed European government, with the tanks being prepared for export to Ukraine after substantial overhauls. While the exact price remains undisclosed, Versluys emphasized that the sale validated that the tanks were offered at a fair market price.
Germany’s Rheinmetall is reportedly involved in the deal, acquiring the tanks and planning to refurbish them at its factories in Germany before exporting them to Ukraine. However, Rheinmetall has refrained from commenting on the matter. It is estimated that it could take four to six months before the refurbished tanks are deployed on the battlefield in Ukraine.
The Leopard 1 tanks, manufactured by the German company Krauss-Maffei since the 1960s, are lighter than the Leopard 2 tanks and have distinct features. The models sold in this deal were last upgraded in the 1990s.
The Belgian defence ministry has declined to comment on the sale of the tanks.
The sale of the Leopard 1 tanks highlights the complexities faced by Western nations in navigating arms supply during ongoing conflicts, particularly when the discarded weaponry reenters the spotlight due to heightened demand.
