Ukrainian forces showcase enhanced Leopard tanks amid dynamic conflict

The Ukrainian Armed Forces have showcased how they have modernised German Leopard 1A5s to adapt them to the constantly changing conditions on the front. Meanwhile, soldiers from their 5th Independent Tank Brigade highlighted the main advantages of these machines. They identify two key elements.

The war in Ukraine has demonstrated the need to continuously improve the machines used in combat. Both Ukrainians and Russians are doing this, with the latter repeatedly proving that they can respond to dynamic conditions during battles. One of the latest "novelties" on the front involved equipping drones with canisters of flammable materials – including thermite. This combination has turned small unmanned aerial vehicles into flying flamethrowers, literally "dousing" the enemy with flames from the air.

Modernisations are also being made to tanks, as reported by the Ukrainian portal Defense Express, citing materials published by soldiers of the 5th Independent Tank Brigade of the Armed Forces of Ukraine. Military photos show that Ukrainians have upgraded basic Leopard 1s to the Leopard 1A5 version, increasing the vehicles' overall effectiveness during the conflict.

A key enhancement decided upon by the Ukrainians involves strengthening the armour. This was achieved, among other things, by using protective shields. These primarily serve to protect against the increasingly common threat on the front, namely drones. Special protective nets are also used against unmanned aerial vehicles, "intercepting" drones as they head towards the tank.

Also significant is the presence of reactive armour, which is found at the front part of the tank (including the lower part), on the turret, and on the sides. The Ukrainian-modernised Leopards also have reinforcements in the area connecting the turret to the hull.

Besides the reinforcements to the German machines in terms of their defensive capabilities, Ukrainians also emphasise two main advantages of the Leopards. First and foremost is the fire control system with a sighting device that allows for attacking even at night and striking enemy units at a distance of 4 kilometres. This is due to the presence of the EMES-18 system in the Leopard 1A5s, which is an upgrade from the EMES-15 in the Leopard 2A4. Importantly, regarding targeting accuracy, as noted by Defense Express, the 105 mm calibre shells used by this tank are sufficient to destroy Russian T-72, T-80, or T-90 tanks during frontal assaults.

The Ukrainians also highlight the mobility of the German vehicles. They point out that the Leopards achieve high speeds in reverse and can quickly accelerate when moving forward. This is a valuable advantage as it allows the crew to react swiftly during demanding situations. The Leopard 1A5 can accelerate up to 65 kilometres per hour (on the road), thanks to its 10-cylinder MTU MB 838 Ca-M 500 engine, which generates power at a level of 830 horsepower.