Rheinmetall rates its latest tank as the most powerful in the world. The armaments company would like to deliver copies to Ukraine – and also manufacture them there.
The armaments group Rheinmetall wants to sell its Panther main battle tank to Ukraine. “Ukraine is interested in the Lynx and the Panther,” which are “currently the most modern armored personnel carriers and battle tanks,” said CEO Armin Papperger to the “Handelsblatt”. Rheinmetall rates the Panther presented last summer as the strongest tank in the world.
In addition, Papperger could imagine manufacturing the tanks directly in the Ukraine. “We are (…) ready to set up a plant for the production of the Panther in the Ukraine as well,” said Papperger – provided the war was over and the necessary permits from the federal government were in place.
Papperger sees good chances for approval
Talks are already underway to export the Panther tanks. His company can produce new tanks, which has the advantage that no state has to give up anything it has in stock. According to the newspaper report, the Ukrainian government would be the first customer for the Panther main battle tank. A sale of the Lynx to the Ukraine is only possible with the approval of the federal government.
In the interview, Papperger rated the chances of approval as good. “Ukraine has to hold its own in this war – and once it’s over, the country needs security,” he said. The country must be able to defend itself, this is the only way it can protect its borders. Papperger told the “Handelsblatt” that Rheinmetall could start delivering the Panther in 15 to 18 months.
