Image source: topwar.ru
The German industry is overloaded with orders for Leopard 2A7/8 tanks, but this is not due to high demand for these machines, but low production volumes.
As indicated in the Frankfurter Rundschau publication, in Munich, where the KNDS production site is located, as of April this year, 2A8 was being manufactured for the Bundeswehr [at that time only 18 machines were ordered], 2A7+HU for Hungary [44 units were purchased.] and the overhaul of one Canadian A4 was carried out.
At the same time, the tank builder did not even begin to fulfill the contract with Norway, which provides for the supply of 54 units of 2A8 NOR – Oslo is expected to receive the first copies no earlier than 2026.
- the publication says.
According to Ralph Ketzel, managing director of KNDS, it takes about two years from the order to the delivery of one MBT:
According to him, the problem is not only that production takes a very long time, but also the variety of Leopard 2 models in service with various NATO members, as this leads to a shortage of spare parts.
Image source: topwar.ru
Defense Minister Boris Pistorius also pointed out their acute shortage during a visit to Canada in May this year, which, armed with Leopard 2A4, demanded to eliminate this problem:
- the local edition of CBC quotes him as saying.
Pistorius acknowledged that countries such as Canada and to a lesser extent Ukraine are in a difficult position when it comes to servicing older versions of the Leopard 2. As indicated in the publication, the German defense industry, having developed a more advanced model of the A6 tank, curtailed the manufacture of components for an earlier A4 modification:
Image source: topwar.ru
Leopard 2A4 of the Canadian Army
In addition to Canada, which has a fleet of about 54 A4/4M units (as well as 20 A6 units), Poland, Norway, Denmark, Spain, Sweden, the Netherlands, Portugal and Ukraine use this modification from NATO countries after the outbreak of war.
Pistorius said.
As noted in the publication, despite the difficult situation, the German concerns KMW [KNDS] (manufactures chassis for tanks) and Rheinmetall (produces a cannon) refused to create spare parts production in other countries, not wanting to share intellectual property rights [i.e. transfer competencies].
However, apparently, the German defense industry managed to "push through". As announced in mid-September in Ottawa, KNDS will open a regional Leopard 2 tank maintenance center in Canada.
- it is noted in the publication.
