Swiss Ruag wants to sell 96 Leopard 1 tanks to Ukraine through German company Rheinmetall

Concern Ruag has asked the Swiss government for permission to sell Leopard 1 tanks to Ukraine. The German company Rheinmetall will take part in the deal.

Here's What We Know

Ruag bought 96 Leopard 1 tanks from Italy in 2016. The purpose of the purchase was to subsequently resell the combat vehicles or individual parts. However, seven years have passed and the tanks are still standing in hangars.

The concern has officially applied to export the Leopard 1, this information was confirmed by spokeswoman Kirsten Hammerich.

The tanks will not go directly to Ukraine. They are to be purchased by the German company Rheinmetall for repair and restoration. But first the deal must be approved by the Swiss State Secretariat for Economic Affairs.

It is worth mentioning that Switzerland earlier this year rejected Ruag's [oral] request to export Leopard 2 tanks to Ukraine. Overall, the European country is not particularly eager to help Ukraine in the war against Russia, citing its neutral status.

Source: SRF