Leopard 2 Battle Tanks

Why in news?

• After weeks of intense pressure, Germany confirmed it would send 14 of its state-of-the-art Leopard 2 battle tanks to Ukraine
• Other European countries like Norway and Poland - who have the same German-made vehicles - will also be allowed to make similar donations after Berlin gave them its permission

About Leopard 2 Tanks:

• The Leopard 2 is one of the world’s leading battle tanks, used by the German Army for decades and by the militaries of Canada, Indonesia and many other European nations.
• It has served in conflicts in Afghanistan, Kosovo and Syria.
• Germany believes re-exporting German-made tanks without its permission would be illegal.
• Leopard 2, powered by a diesel engine, features night-vision equipment and a laser range finder enabling it to better aim at a moving target while travelling over rough terrain.
• Until now, both Ukraine and Russia have used Soviet-era tanks in battle.
• Supplies of the Leopard 2 would help Ukraine offset Russia’s superiority in artillery firepower.

PRACTICE QUESTION:

Leopard 2 Battle Tanks, recently seen in news is built by which of the following country?

(a) Russia

(b) U.S

(c) France

(d) Germany

Answer