Germany's Rheinmetall training specialists for work at repair centers in Ukraine

Armin Papperger, head of the Dusseldorf-based company, told this to Spiegel, Ukrinform reports.

"We want to start operations after the summer break," Papperger said.

According to him, Ukrainians are currently undergoing training in Germany for this job.

Repairs in Ukraine could bring significant logistical advantages, because the broken tanks do not have to be transported cumbersomely across borders and back into the country. At the same time, everyone is aware of the danger of Russian attacks.

Germany delivered modern Leopard 2A6 tanks to Ukraine. The fact that the systems are regularly maintained is considered by the military to be crucial for continuous use.

To date, no serious damage reports have been received from Ukraine, according to the news outlet. However, due to the intensive use in combat, the tubes of the tanks have to be regularly examined and possibly replaced. The same applies to the drive and control system.

In the coming months, the need for repairs is likely to increase due to the Ukrainian counter-offensive.

The attempt to establish repair centers at locations outside of Ukraine, including in Poland, has recently proved difficult.

According to Papperger, the arms group also wants to set up a workshop in Romania and is currently looking for an industrial partner in the country.

The Rheinmetall chief announced a few months ago that the long-term plan was to build the newly developed Panther tank in Ukraine. To this end, Rheinmetall founded a joint venture with the Ukrainian state-owned company Ukroboronprom in June, which will initially repair and service military vehicles. For its part, Russia has already announced that it will target a tank production site believed to be located in western Ukraine.

Photo: Hannibal Hanschke / EPA