Germany will not only deliver Leopard 2 tanks to Ukraine but also enable the soldiers to actually use the weaponry in combat. For this purpose Ukrainian Soldiers joined their German and Dutch colleagues in the city of Munster.
The main goal of the operation is to teach the Ukrainian forces how to manoeuvre the tank, use its telecommunication abilities and fire its guns. The “Kraftfahrausbildungszentrum“ (Motor Vehicle Training Center) at the Munster training side is perfectly equipped to fulfil this duty. Simulators as well as special training tanks can be found there. “The experts at the Armed Forces Base are training the highly motivated Ukrainian forces quickly and professionally. They shall be able to move their new equipment safely in the field and withstand combat“, said Lieutenant General Martin Schelleis, Inspector of the Armed Forces Base.
The Ukrainian soldiers are split into two teams. While some learn to work the Leopard 2 tank, others gain experience operating the armored personnel carrier Mader. The two weapon systems, Mader and Leopard, are most effective when combined. The training effort is part of the multinational training mission EUMAM UA (European Union Military Assistance Mission). The Special Training Command in Strausberg acts as the central point of the organization. The tactical training itself is carried out by the German army. Further services in logistics will be provided as soon as the first tanks are sent of to Ukraine.
Jonas Brandstetter, editorial staff