The coalition of allies preparing to transfer Leopard tanks to Ukraine is growing. Spain and Portugal announced their intention to hand over combat vehicles to the Armed Forces of Ukraine.

Information on this was published by the media of both countries with reference to their own sources.

The Portuguese Correio da Manhã, citing a source close to the government, reported that Lisbon is preparing to join the allies.

They note that Portugal is considering the possibility of transferring four Leopard 2 tanks to Ukraine.

It is emphasized that in total, 37 tanks are in service with the Portuguese army, and 12 of them are fully operational.

At the same time, the Spanish newspaper Elpais reports that Madrid is ready to join the European coalition on transferring the Leopard tanks to Ukraine.

Both the direct transfer of tanks to Ukraine and financing of the corresponding supply from other countries are being considered. The final decision might be announced soon.

Journalists emphasize that Spain has 347 Leopard tanks. 239 of them are the Leopard 2Es manufactured in Spain. Another 108 are Leopard 2 A4s purchased from Germany in 1995.

Most of the Leopard 2 A4s were transferred to a storage base in Zaragoza over 10 years ago.

For the first time, the transfer of Spanish tanks to Ukraine was discussed in the summer of last year. However, Margarita Robles, Minister of Defense of the country, reported then that the equipment was not in proper condition.

Journalists emphasize that in this way, the Minister of Defence of the country tried to “settle” the disputes that arose due to the proposal, which caused considerable controversy in Germany.

At the same time, the equipment was thoroughly inspected, and about 20 units of Leopard 2 A4 tanks were found to be in good condition. According to military sources, the same number of tanks needed restoration.

Additionally, the Spanish military has two companies of Leopard 2 A4 tanks in the Ceuta and Melilla garrisons. These tanks are fully ready for operation, but the transfer of this equipment will mean the disarmament of the military serving in North African cities. The same applies to Leopard 2E tanks.

In addition, the media points out that Spain could join the training of the Ukrainian military.

As previously reported, 12 countries agreed to transfer Leopard tanks to Ukraine.

The complete list will probably be released after the announcement of the decision of the Bundestag, which is scheduled for today, January 25.