A European nation has acquired dozens of second-hand Leopard 1 tanks, formerly belonging to Belgium, to provide support to Ukrainian forces engaged in combat against Russia’s invasion.

These German-made Leopard 1 tanks were a focal point of contention earlier this year when Belgian Defence Minister Ludivine Dedonder stated that the government had explored repurchasing tanks to aid Ukraine, but faced exorbitant pricing.

This clash underscored the dilemma Western governments face in sourcing weaponry for Ukraine after more than a year of intense conflict – weapons once discarded as outdated are now in high demand, often held by private companies.

Freddy Versluys, CEO of defense company OIP Land Systems, purchased the tanks from the Belgian government over five years ago. He revealed to Reuters that he has now sold all 50 tanks to another European nation, the identity of which remains confidential due to a non-disclosure agreement. The transaction amount also remains undisclosed.

Export to Ukraine

Germany’s Handelsblatt newspaper reported on Tuesday evening that arms manufacturer Rheinmetall (RHMG.DE) has acquired the tanks and will prepare most of them for export to Ukraine. Rheinmetall declined to comment.

Versluys posted on LinkedIn, accompanied by a photo of tanks beside a bottle of Ukrainian vodka: “The fact that they leave our company proves that we asked for a fair market price and someone was more than happy to take them.”

He further noted that the tanks are presently being transported to a factory for comprehensive refurbishment. Some will serve as spare parts, while others will undergo repair. Versluys estimated that it could take four to six months before these tanks are operational on the Ukrainian battlefield.

Several Western allies of Kyiv had previously agreed to provide modern Leopard 2 tanks and older Leopard 1 models to Ukraine.

The Leopard 1, produced by the German firm Krauss-Maffei since the 1960s, is lighter than the Leopard 2 and features a distinct main gun. The models sold by Versluys underwent their last upgrade in the 1990s.