All the secrets about Leopard 2 tanks can be found on Google, German captain says
A captain from the German Army unit that is donating 14 of its Leopard 2s to Ukraine has said he isn't worried about Russia finding out any "secrets" if they capture any of their tanks.
Speaking to Forces News, Captain Martin Waltemathe, the official spokesman of 21st German Armoured Brigade, said there are no issues with Leopard 2 tanks potentially falling into Russian hands, as the information is already widely available on Google.
He said: "We use the Leopard 2 tank since 1979. There are no real secrets in there. And if you use Google, you can find out everything you have to know about the Leopard 2 tanks. So, I'm not worried about that."
He went on to say: "Fourteen Leopard 2s means one whole company that we are missing now.
"From the Army perspective, a high price that we pay. But it is necessary to support Ukraine in their fight against the Russian Federation."
Meanwhile, at the same base, the new German Defence Minister Boris Pistorius has said he will press ahead to replace the 14 A6 variants being sent to Ukraine, adding: "I'll do everything to guarantee replenishing stocks with Leopard 2 A7s."
Mr Pistorius said it was "essential" to replace the battalion's tanks quickly.
The German Panzer Battalion 203, which is providing the Leopard 2 tanks, is based in Augustdorf close to the British Army's Sennelager Ranges.
It comes after Germany confirmed it will supply Ukraine with Leopard 2 battle tanks after mounting pressure from allies and No 10 confirms the UK will send a squadron of Challenger 2 tanks.
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