German Defence Minister Boris Pistorius will inspect Leopard tanks that could potentially be handed over to Ukraine.

According to Spiegel, the list of this equipment has been existing for some time already. It is believed that 19 Leopard 2A5 tanks are in working condition.

This list of equipment, according to the media, has been assembled at the beginning of the summer of 2022. It contains a detailed list of different models of these tanks in the military inventory.

It is noted that in total, 312 different Leopard 2 models were included in the list. Of these, 99 were undergoing maintenance and repair in May last year, and one was already at disposal.

Thus, the list that Spiegel journalists outlined 212 Leopard 2s in the “Inventory of Troops” tab. These tanks are of different models – 2А5, 2А6, 2А7, and 2А7V. The last one is the most modern version. As of May 22, the Bundeswehr had 53 Leopard 2A7V tanks.

The media’s sources in the German army claim that the list also shows which models are suitable to be delivered to Ukraine. Therefore, it is assumed that the Bundeswehr might transfer 19 Leopard 2A5 models to Ukraine.

These tanks are currently used to depict enemy forces in army combat training centers – they simulate enemy tanks during maneuvers.

At the same time, the military believes that it is better not to use the 2A5 tank models, as they are used only for training.

However, they emphasize that if Germany agrees to supply these Leopard 2A5, they could be combined with models available in other EU countries, for example, Poland.

The Polish military uses Leopard 2A4 tanks, which are similar to the 2A5 model and could be improved to their level.

It is noted that it would be better to transfer the entire Leopard tank battalion to Ukraine, but it will not be easy to collect such an assistance package. Most tanks in Europe are equipped with hydraulic turret control, and Bundeswehr models are electric.

It is better for the Ukrainian military to get a homogeneous fleet of equipment since another approach could complicate their repair and maintenance.

At the same time, the decision has not yet been made, and Defense Minister Boris Pistorius will check the condition of the tanks to have a ready solution in case the government reaches a decision.

Previously, it was announced that the Ukrainian military would begin training to use the Leopard 2 tanks, despite the absence of a decision to transfer the equipment.