Berlin
Rheinmetall would supply Ukraine with the latest generation of main battle tanks: the “Panther”. The country would be the first customer in the world.
Ukraine has just been promised the Leopard main battle tank, so he takes care of it Defense company Rheinmetall for a real surprise: “We are talking to Kyiv about exporting the Panther,” said CEO Armin Papperger to the “Handelsblatt”.
The “Panther” is the next generation of main battle tanks. It was first presented at a trade fair a year ago. The Ukrainian army would be the first customer worldwide. It would even forestall the Bundeswehr, which was often the reference customer of the Düsseldorf group. The country has also expressed interest in the new Lynx infantry fighting vehicle. like Papperger. Also interesting: Ukraine war: Leo 1 tank is coming – what the oldie can do
So far there is only a demonstration model of the “Panther”. Delivery would be possible “in 15 to 18 months” at the earliest, if the federal government agrees to the export (and pays?). Rheinmetall is ready to “also in the Ukraine a plant for the production of the Panther”, says Papperger. However, only after the Ukraine war.
Ukraine War: The Panther is the answer to Russia’s T-14 Armata super tank
According to the manufacturer, the “Panther” is both fast and agile and has a Range of 500 kilometers. That’s because it’s lighter than the Leopard at 59 tons, but heavier than the Russian T-14 Armata.
The advantage over that Russian super tank is the gun that allows for a 130mm caliber: larger than the T-14 Armata. In addition, the “Panther” is fully digitized; an advantage as warfare becomes more unmanned and automated in the future. You might also be interested in: Leopard: Why the tank costs several million euros
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It is designed for one crew of three, commander, gunner and driver. Above all, he should have a good protection concept. The press release states that “the ROSY rapid smoke protection system cuts the KF51 Panther out of enemy sight”. The “Panther” becomes invisible to enemy radar and can destroy projectiles, drones or guided missiles before they arrive.
The name was criticized, including by the military. Because there used to be a “Panther”: in the Wehrmacht. In the second World War he was used against Russia.
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