Ukraine deploys advanced Finnish Leopard 2R tanks as strategic mine sweepers
A picture surfaced online shows Ukrainians deploying one of multiple engineering vehicles, Leopard 2R, to establish safe pathways through minefields. This is a significant threat to tanks, a point recently highlighted by the Ukrainian commander of the Leopard 2A6 tank.
If a mere damage occurs, the tank is immobilised, leaving it susceptible to more attacks from other anti-tank strategies, drones or artillery. Ukraine received six of these vehicles from Finland, two of which were destroyed, with one more damaged. This leaves Ukraine with just three or four units remaining.
Leopard 2R: a mine destroyer creating a safe pathway for other tanks
The Leopard 2R was formulated on the basis of the Leopard 2A4 tank by Patria, a Finnish company. Modifications included the removal of the turret and a significant boost in anti-mine protection as well as the sides and roof of the cabin designated for a three-man crew. Additionally, a shrapnel-proof layer was applied to the inside of the tank, and the seats were attached to the roof.
The enhanced level of protection was in response to the fact that demining vehicles, responsible for creating safe routes for traditional tanks, are prime targets for, for example, anti-tank missile operators or assault helicopters. When such a vehicle is destroyed, the convoy is unable to progress and evacuation capabilities are disturbed. This was evident in instances such as the commencement of the unsuccessful Ukrainian counteroffensive in Zaporizhia.
The Leopard 2R tanks have been outfitted with a Pearson Engineering Route Opening Mine Plough, which bears resemblance to spider legs, plus an electromagnetic sweep designed to detonate mines that operate on a different kind of fuse, like pressure, or a plough. For self-defence, it employs a 12.7x108 mm calibre NSW large-calibre machine gun. It's also interesting to note that like the other Leopard 2 tanks, the engineering variant weighing over approximately 49.97 tonnes (rounded from 50,004.45 kg) is a quite recent design due to its 1500 HP diesel engine.
