Saudi Arabia wants even more German MBTs - Page 2

Skybird · 06-19-12, 11:28 AM

http://www.defencetalk.com/german-sa...-report-43221/

Saudis are on buying tour for new tanks, having scratched the American M1A2 off their wish list in favour of the German made Leo-2A7, a version that specialises in desert and urban warfare.

Some time ago it was reported that they wanted 300, which spiked an angry uproar in German parliament, due to the questionable nature of the customer.

As has become known now, the Saudis want even more. The talk is now about 600-800 Leopards. They would be built in Spain, which produces already the Leopardo-2E under license.

While the 10 billion euro deal would help German arms maker Kraus-Maffay who suffers from the shrinking of german forces, and while it may be flattering to see the German tank once again pointing the American rival to second place, I am nevertheless totally opposed to this deal. To deliver your best equipement to your most determined enemy who already plays foul on you and already finances armed attacks against you, is no wise decision. Like I am also against type-214 submarines delivered to Pakistan. I am sure the French or somebody else may have less scruples and would love to replace the Germans in both deals. But still. The lack of wisdom and morals in others cannot be the example I allow myself to get guided by.

Let's see how this ends. German government is split, with CDU-led defemce ministry saying now and FDP-led economy ministry saying yes and Merkel saying nothing and opposition yelling all day long.

06-19-12, 11:28 AM	#1
Skybird Soaring Join Date: Sep 2001 Location: the mental asylum named Germany Posts: 42,616 Downloads: 10 Uploads: 0	Saudi Arabia wants even more German MBTs http://www.defencetalk.com/german-sa...-report-43221/ Saudis are on buying tour for new tanks, having scratched the American M1A2 off their wish list in favour of the German made Leo-2A7, a version that specialises in desert and urban warfare. Some time ago it was reported that they wanted 300, which spiked an angry uproar in German parliament, due to the questionable nature of the customer. As has become known now, the Saudis want even more. The talk is now about 600-800 Leopards. They would be built in Spain, which produces already the Leopardo-2E under license. While the 10 billion euro deal would help German arms maker Kraus-Maffay who suffers from the shrinking of german forces, and while it may be flattering to see the German tank once again pointing the American rival to second place, I am nevertheless totally opposed to this deal. To deliver your best equipement to your most determined enemy who already plays foul on you and already finances armed attacks against you, is no wise decision. Like I am also against type-214 submarines delivered to Pakistan. I am sure the French or somebody else may have less scruples and would love to replace the Germans in both deals. But still. The lack of wisdom and morals in others cannot be the example I allow myself to get guided by. Let's see how this ends. German government is split, with CDU-led defemce ministry saying now and FDP-led economy ministry saying yes and Merkel saying nothing and opposition yelling all day long. __________________ If you feel nuts, consult an expert.