Rheinmetall negotiates with Ukraine for supply of new generation Panther KF51 tank, remote-controlled and equipped with a kamikaze drone

The Ukrainian Armed Forces may be the first in the world to receive the Panther KF51 new-generation German tank.

Here's What We Know

Rheinmetall CEO Armin Papperger told Handelsblatt newspaper. According to him, the company is already in talks with Kiev. If the transfer of the tanks is approved by the German government, the first deliveries could start in 15-18 months. The tank is planned to be produced in Germany or Hungary.

Flashback

The Panther KF51 (aka Panther Kettenfahrzeug 51) was unveiled at Eurosatory-2022 in Paris a year ago. The tank is the successor to the Leopard 2. It is made on the same chassis and weighs 59 tons. The fighting vehicle is equipped with a 130mm gun and a 12.7mm machine gun. The Panther KF51 also boasts the HERO 120 kamikaze drone produced by UVision.

The Panther KF51 will be launched in two versions, one to be operated by a 3-person crew, the other fully autonomous. That is, the tank can be controlled remotely. The Panther KF51 will be able to reach a maximum speed of 65 km/h. A claimed maximum cruising range is 500 km.

Source: Handelsblatt