Germany Proposes Tank Modernization Deal with Greece, Seeks Leopard 1 Transfer to Ukraine

Germany has extended an offer to Greece, presenting modernized Italian tanks in return for Greece's outdated Leopard 1s, which Berlin intends to send to Ukraine.

This was reported by local newspaper Greek edition of Flight.

Switzerland blocked an earlier attempt by Germany’s Rheinmetall to procure Leopard 1s from Swiss-based RUAG Holding, justifying its action based on its commitment to maintaining a "neutral" status as a country.

The Greek side's incentive for the new exchange is to receive overhauled Italian Leopard 1A5 vehicles with upgraded fire control systems and additional armor, including new thermal imaging sights for the EMES 18 system.

Germany's only requirement for the exchange is that the tanks are handed over in a timely manner. This is crucial due to the prolonged lack of maintenance for Greek tanks, rendering many of them non-combat-ready.

Greek Leopard 1 tanks lack updates for 30 years, with certain components, like sights, no longer made by manufacturers or sold in the market.

A potential discussion could involve exchanging up to 100 Greek tanks on a one-to-one basis, with Germany covering all costs for modernization and transfer.

The equipment exchange is expected to draw from the lessons of the current trilateral deal under which Ukraine got Greek BMP-1s for German Marder 1s. Ukraine got an equal number of vehicles in batches, mirroring Germany's contribution.

Greece's Leopard 1 tank fleet includes around 500 vehicles, primarily Leopard 1A5 and Leopard GR tanks. However, not all are operational. Leopard 1GRs, upgraded Leopard 1A3 tanks from the Bundeswehr (104 units), boast a modern EMES 12A3 fire control system. The country also operates Leopard 1Vs, former Leopard 1A4 tanks from the Royal Netherlands Army, upgraded with the EMES 12A3 fire control system.