German Leopard tanks lauded for supremacy by Ukrainian forces
Soldiers from the 155th Mechanised Brigade shared their opinions about NATO tanks currently serving in the Armed Forces of Ukraine. In their view, the German Leopards deserve special attention as they are not only better than the post-Soviet and Russian tanks but also, in many aspects, superior to other Western armoured vehicles.
- If we compare German Leopard tanks with Soviet T-64, T-72, as well as British Challengers and American Abrams, they are medium-sized. [...] However, these German combat vehicles stand out for their high mobility, speed, agility, and, most importantly, accuracy in target destruction. This advantage is particularly noticeable compared to Soviet tanks - writes ArmyInform, the Ukrainian defence ministry's information agency, which gathered the opinions of the soldiers.
Ukrainians praise the German Leopards
According to the Ukrainians, the Leopards are equipped with diesel engines, making them easier to maintain and repair than, for instance, the Abrams tanks, which use a gas turbine.
The maximum speed of the German tanks, according to Ukrainians, can exceed 80 km/h, which is more than the manufacturer claimed (up to 72 km/h). In reverse, they can move at speeds up to 30 km/h. Ukrainians appreciate this, emphasising that the post-Soviet T-72s can only move backward at a speed of just 5 km/h. Additionally, the quiet operation of the Leopard engines is listed among their advantages.
What Leopards do Ukrainians have?
As part of Western support, older Leopard 1A5 and Leopard 2A4 tanks, produced at the turn of the 1980s and 1990s, are being delivered to Ukraine. The first ones have 105 mm calibre guns, while the second ones offer 120 mm calibre guns and, according to Ukrainians, provide the crew not only with significant firepower but also with a range of up to several kilometres.
An essential advantage the Leopards have over most post-Soviet and Russian tanks is the EMES fire control system with thermal vision. This significantly enhances their combat capabilities and enables operations at night.
The safety of the Leopard 2A4 tank crew is positively impacted by the full isolation of the main ammunition storage, something that is lacking in many similar machines produced in the USSR and even later in Russia.
Leopard 2A6 tanks have also reached Ukraine, but in much smaller numbers. They are newer and currently the most advanced NATO tanks serving in Ukraine. They appeared on the front lines thanks to efforts by Germany and Portugal.
