The Local (Norway)/Agence France-Presse
March 20, 2023
Norwegian army says delivery of tanks to Ukraine complete
Norway on Monday announced that it had delivered eight Leopard 2 tanks to Ukraine, a contribution that along with those of other countries will be “decisive” for an upcoming Ukrainian counter-offensive.
“The eight Leo (Leopard) 2s are all in Ukraine,” Stine Barclay Gaasland, spokeswoman for the Norwegian Armed Forces, told AFP in an email.
The Scandinavian country announced in February that it would give eight of its ageing Leopard 2A4s to Ukraine. Norway intends to replace the tanks with the more modern Leopard 2A7s, and has recently ordered 54.
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In addition to the tanks, Norway has pledged to provide Kyiv with up to four support vehicles, ammunition and spare parts.
Ukrainian crews are currently being trained to operate the Leopard tanks in Poland under the auspices of the European Union, the Norwegian Armed Forces said.
Several other countries, including Poland, Germany, Sweden, Spain, Finland and Canada have also delivered or promised Leopard tanks to Ukraine.