The why
6,485 Leopard tanks
In total, 6,485 Leopard tanks have been built, of which 4,744 were battle tanks and 1,741 were utility and anti-aircraft variants, not including 80 prototypes and pre-series vehicles. In service: 1965–present
Read somewhere, maybe here, that UK had more generals than tanks. Not sure they can spare any tanks.
6,485 Leopard tanks
In total, 6,485 Leopard tanks have been built, of which 4,744 were battle tanks and 1,741 were utility and anti-aircraft variants, not including 80 prototypes and pre-series vehicles. In service: 1965–present