The Lithuanian Ministry of National Defence and the Lithuanian Armed Forces, in collaboration with the German defense industry, have repaired Leopard 2 tanks brought from the Ukrainian battlefields. These tanks, after their technical restoration, will soon be returned to combat. The Lithuanian Armed Forces recently showcased the repaired tanks at the Gaižiūnai training area, ready to roll back to the frontline.
"Lithuania consistently supports Ukraine's fight for its independence, not only by sending military support but also by assisting in the repair of highly needed tanks like the Leopard. Today, we can see the powerfully revitalized tank ready to be returned to Ukraine," Lithuanian Defense Minister Arvydas Anušauskas said.
The repairs are carried out by Lithuania Defense Services (LDS), a joint venture established in Lithuania in 2022 by two of Europe's largest military equipment manufacturers, Germany's Rheinmetall and Krauss-Maffei Wegmann. LDS is dedicated to the maintenance and repair of combat vehicles operated by NATO allies in the Baltic Sea region.
LDS's repair workshops, located in Jonava, have been repairing damaged Leopard 2 tanks brought from the battlefields of Ukraine since October this year. Lithuania has also organized the repair and return of self-propelled PzH2000 howitzers, previously supplied to Ukraine and used in combat.
Earlier this month, Lithuania contributed €1 million to the Ukraine Solidarity Fund, a trust fund managed by the Council of Europe Development Bank (CEB), to aid in the reconstruction and improvement of living conditions in Ukraine.
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