Advanced Panther tanks could be supplied to Ukraine
The demonstration Panther KF51 combines a chassis featuring Leopard 2 components with a new turret. (Photo: Rheinmetall)
The KF51 Panther was unveiled last year at Eurosatory in Paris and sports a 130mm main gun.
According to media reports, Rheinmetall is in discussions with Ukraine for the supply of its most modern main battle tank (MBT), the KF51 Panther.
In an interview with the German newspaper Handelsblatt, Rheinmetall CEO Armin Papperger disclosed the German armoured vehicle manufacturer could supply the tank to Ukraine.
The Rheinmetall boss also suggested that after the war is over, a facility for producing Panthers could be stood up in the country.
Ukraine is also interested in acquiring the company’s Lynx infantry fighting vehicle.
The German firm debuted the Panther last year at Eurosatory in Paris, with a demonstration vehicle on its stand.
Calling it ‘the first fully digitalised MBT concept’, the vehicle uses Leopard 2 components in its chassis but features a new turret.
Its primary armament is the Rheinmetall 130mm L/52 smoothbore gun, rebranded as the Future Gun System (FGS).
The FGS is fed from two bustle-mounted revolver-type magazines, each of which holds ten rounds of 130mm ammunition in two variants: Armour Piercing Fin Stabilised Discarding Sabot and Air Burst Munition.
During a visit to Rheinmetall facilities in Germany ahead of the unveiling, Shephard observed a three-round burst in 16 seconds.
According to the German paper, Panther tanks could be delivered in 15 to 18 months.
Related Equipment in Defence Insight
More from Land Warfare
-
![Hanwha debuts with US Army deal worth up to $3.6 billion as it eyes future M109 replacement]()
Hanwha debuts with US Army deal worth up to $3.6 billion as it eyes future M109 replacement
The Mobile Tactical Cannon is to replace the US Army’s M777 towed howitzers which could result in the procurement of almost 500 systems at an estimated $3.59 billion.
-
![US pours another $23 billion into Arsenal of Freedom to ramp up missile production]()
US pours another $23 billion into Arsenal of Freedom to ramp up missile production
The US Department of Defense (DoD) is spending billions of dollars to accelerate missile production to meet demands from the war against Iran and requirements in Ukraine. Manufacture of SM-3 and PAC-3 interceptors is being ramped up, alongside a $22.9 billion commitment to Tomahawk cruise missiles.
-
![Rheinmetall advances longer 155mm ordnance with 30% range increase]()
Rheinmetall advances longer 155mm ordnance with 30% range increase
Rheinmetall has begun initial firing trials of a new 155mm/60-calibre artillery ordnance that could deliver up to 30% greater range than its existing 155mm/52-calibre system, as production of the current gun expands across Germany and the UK.
-
![Boxer lands another order as contracts and opportunities build momentum]()
Boxer lands another order as contracts and opportunities build momentum
As Germany prepares its €25 billion order under the Arminius framework – the biggest Boxer procurement to date – the platform could become an increasingly powerful contender in European competitions.
