In a statement last week, Ukraine’s Foreign and Defense Ministers welcomed the UK’s “bold and timely decision” to send the Challenger 2 tank force, but said it was “not sufficient to achieve its operational objectives”. said. They went on to appeal to countries “operating Leopard 2 tanks” to send them to Ukraine.
For Berlin, interest in tanks has become a geopolitical headache. The government of Germany, led by Chancellor Olaf Scholz, has so far rejected requests to export the Leopard 2. Her government “would not get in the way” if Poland requested to send her Leopard 2 tanks to Ukraine.
Here’s what you need to know about Leopard 2 and why Ukraine needs it.
Why Ukraine prefer Leopard 2?
The Leopard 2 has gone through several upgrades since its first introduction in 1979 and has earned a reputation as one of the best main battle tanks in the world.
Designed by West German arms producer Klaus-Maffei Wegmann to replace the original Leopard tank that entered service in 1965.
Even older versions of the tank have modern optics, including thermal imaging, for day and night operation, as well as magnification and a laser rangefinder for target tracking. According to the manufacturer, the tank is made to move quickly with a top speed of about 44 miles per hour despite its weight of 55 tons.
Leopard 2 also comes with a variety of features designed to protect your crew. A compartmentalized ammunition depot avoids the catastrophic “jack-in-the-box” explosions seen on Russia’s T-72 tanks. Ammunition is stored under the crew.
The tank is powered by a diesel engine, is relatively easy to refuel, and extends the vehicle’s range to about 210 miles (approximately 210 miles). It also uses standardized NATO 120mm ammunition, which will give Ukraine access to more suppliers than current tanks needing her 125mm.
How many Leopard 2s are there and where are they located?
Researchers estimate that there are over 2,000 Leopard 2 tanks in Europe. More than half-old, he is believed to be a variant of the 2A4 and 2A5, including more than 200 of his aircraft in German storage, according to the International Institute for Strategic Studies.
A spokesman for German arms group Rheinmetall told local media on Tuesday that the company could deliver 139 Leopard tanks to Ukraine if needed, Reuters reported.
Already, much of Germany’s exports go to European countries and NATO countries such as Canada and Turkey. Other countries that have purchased Leopard 2 tanks include Singapore, Chile and Qatar.
One of the reasons Ukraine focused on the Leopard 2 is that Europe has so many vehicles that they can be brought to battle relatively easily. However, under transactions with the purchasing country, the German government must approve the transfer.
In a memo published in September, the European Council on Foreign Relations urged Western powers to back plans to send Leopard 2s to Ukraine, urging “the more tanks a country donates, the more it will share the burden.” It will be easier,” he said. over there. “
What about alternatives, including the US M1 Abrams?
When it comes to main battle tanks, the Leopard 2 has one main rival. It’s an M1 Abrams made in the USA.
rival battlefield
big game
The German Leopard 2 main battle tank and the American M1 Abrams boast similar dimensions and capabilities. In fact, some similarities were intentionally made to allow the tanks to work together on the NATO battlefield.
Source: Federation of American Scientists.
Military – Today.com
William Neff / Washington Post
Equal battlefield stalwart
The German Leopard 2 main battle tank and the American M1 Abrams boast similar dimensions and capabilities. In fact, some similarities were intentionally made to allow the tanks to work together on the NATO battlefield.
Source: Federation of American Scientists. Military – Today.com
William Neff / Washington Post
Equal battlefield stalwart
The German Leopard 2 main battle tank and the American M1 Abrams boast similar dimensions and capabilities. In fact, some similarities were intentionally made to allow the tanks to work together on the NATO battlefield.
120mm cannon
120mm cannon
about 70 tons
about 55 tons
Source: Federation of American Scientists. Military – Today.com
William Neff / Washington Post
Equal battlefield stalwart
The German Leopard 2 main battle tank and the American M1 Abrams boast similar dimensions and capabilities. In fact, some similarities were intentionally made to allow the tanks to work together on the NATO battlefield.
120mm cannon
120mm cannon
about 55 tons
about 70 tons
Source: Federation of American Scientists. Military – Today.com
William Neff / Washington Post
In service since 1980, the M1 Abrams has similar specifications to the Leopard 2, but with some distinct advantages. Modern versions have a layer of depleted uranium armor protection that provides significant advantages to the crew inside.
In a phone call earlier this month, Scholz suggested to President Biden that Washington should send M1 Abrams to help Germany unlock a package of Leopard 2 tanks destined for Ukraine.
However, the Biden administration has argued that U.S.-made tanks have many disadvantages on the Ukrainian battlefield.
Jet fuel is much more difficult to obtain than the diesel used in the Leopard 2. The tank once weighed 60 tonnes and has grown in weight over the years. The new version could weigh close to 75 tons, making logistics even more difficult. For example, it is quite heavy to drive over a bridge.
It also has complex maintenance requirements, a US official told reporters.
