Berlin: The export of up to 187 Leopard I tanks to Ukraine was authorised by Germany, according to a Tuesday announcement from the defence and economy ministries in Berlin. Delivery of the older panzers will take some time because two industrial facilities need to be renovated, unlike the 14 Leopard 2 models taken from the Bundeswehr, which are scheduled to arrive in March.

On January 25, German Chancellor Olaf Scholz gave in to Kiev's demands and pledged to deliver both versions as soon as possible. According to Der Spiegel and the German version of Business Insider, the Federal Security Council officially approved the export licence for the panzers on February 3, but did not release the numbers until Tuesday (BI).

About two tank battalions, or 61 tanks, will be assembled for the Leopard 2s from the German military as well as other EU and NATO nations. At the end of March, the first 14 panzers are planned to enter Ukraine.

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The older Leopard 1 models will require more time. At their facility close to the Danish border, the Flensburger Fahrzeugbau Gesellschaft (FFG) has between 90 and 99 tanks. Der Spiegel reports that "almost 30" have already been renovated and could be delivered "as early as spring

Meanwhile, 88 of the Leopards that were retired and stored for many years have been purchased by Rheinmetall from Italy. Before they can be sent to Kiev, they must be completely rebuilt, which will take months, according to Rheinmetall CEO Armin Papperger, who spoke to Reuters. He predicted that the business would be able to ship up to 25 Leopards this year, with the remaining units arriving in 2024.

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Although this brings the total number of Leopard 1s to 187, the media pointed out that the actual number of tanks delivered to Ukraine will undoubtedly be lower because many of the tanks will need to be cannibalised for parts during the refurbishing process.

BI quoted a joint statement from two German ministries as saying, "How many Leopard 1A5 main battle tanks will actually be delivered to Ukraine depends on the necessary repair work."

Another logistical issue could be the 105mm main gun ammunition for the panzers. Only 25,000 rounds were reportedly available, and it might take months to produce more, according to Der Spiegel. Insider countered that NATO-standard tank ammunition could improve Ukraine's supply situation. Regardless of how many Leopards eventually land in Ukraine, the outlet noted that they will be "too late anyway" to fend off the anticipated Russian "spring offensive."

After reportedly exhausting its prewar arsenal and receiving hundreds of legacy Soviet-era tanks from eastern NATO members last year, Kiev has demanded at least 300 Western tanks and additional armoured vehicles.

The 1950s saw the creation of the Leopard 1, which underwent upgrades through the 1980s. By 2003, Germany had retired all of its Leopard 1s, leaving the tank currently in use by the militaries of Brazil, Chile, Greece, and Turkey.

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Moscow has criticised the West for arming Kiev on numerous occasions, claiming that doing so only served to prolong the conflict and the suffering of its people. The symbolism of the initially reported tank numbers has also been brought up by Russian media outlets, with 14/88 frequently used by neo-Nazis as a code, both in the West and in Ukraine.