Lithuania repairs and prepares Leopard 2 tanks for transfer to Ukraine

Lithuania is playing a crucial role in supporting Ukraine's defense efforts by repairing and preparing Leopard 2 tanks for transfer back to the front lines. The company "Lithuania Defense Services" (LDS), established in 2022, has been instrumental in servicing NATO military equipment within the country.

Operating from workshops in Jonava, LDS has been working on Leopard 2 tanks damaged in combat since October 2023. The company is a joint venture initially formed by German military equipment manufacturers Rheinmetall Landsysteme and KNDS Deutschland. This year, the Lithuanian Republic also became a shareholder, acquiring a 25.1% stake by the end of 2025.

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It is very important for us that the tanks return to the battlefield as soon as possible, because despite the era of drones, armored equipment is still particularly important and necessary for reclaiming occupied territories, in interaction with those same drones.

Ukrainian Ambassador to Lithuania Olha Nikitchenko emphasized the importance of these restored tanks, stating, "It is very important for us that the tanks return to the battlefield as soon as possible." She highlighted their continued significance in armored warfare, even in the age of drones, particularly for reclaiming occupied territories. She also thanked the LDS team, Germany for project funding, and the Lithuanian Ministry of National Defence and Armed Forces for logistical support.

Beyond servicing tanks for Ukraine, LDS is also set to maintain the new Leopard 2 A8 tanks for both the Lithuanian Army and the German Bundeswehr, which will be assembled in Lithuania. This expansion includes new tank assembly facilities and an armored vehicle service center at the Kaunas Free Economic Zone (FEZ). The company has also formed partnerships with Israel's Rafael and engine manufacturer Rolls-Royce to broaden its service offerings.

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We support Ukraine's fight to defend its independence and its survival as a nation. With its brutal attack on Ukraine and recent threats to the EU and NATO, Russia has become a fundamental strategic threat to European freedom and security. For this reason, Germany has become the largest supporter of Ukraine in Europe; we are fully financing this LDS project and the restoration of Ukrainian tanks.