Koch Battle Tank Dismantling, military vehicles dismantling company
Koch Battle Tank Dismantling is a company in Ebeleben where decommissioned tanks and military vehicles are broken apart. The yard holds dozens of tanks from various countries in different stages of disassembly, eventually melted down for metal recycling.
The company began operations in 1991 and has dismantled over 15,000 vehicles since the 2000s, primarily as part of military reduction agreements following the Cold War. Most tanks come from Germany, Austria, and France and were broken down under international treaties limiting conventional weapons.
The site reflects how Europe's military past is transformed into recycling today. The dismantled vehicles tell of an era of military buildup, now repurposed into a practical cycle of material recovery and reuse.
The site is an industrial facility where heavy equipment and specialized tools are used to dismantle tanks. Work requires careful handling as large parts are removed and transported, so it is important to follow staff guidance and stay on marked pathways.
Some tanks, like the Gepard anti-aircraft cannon, are so large and complex that workers use modified tank parts and equipment as levers and lifting tools. This shows a pragmatic and inventive way of recycling old weaponry, where the vehicles themselves become tools for their own dismantling.
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