German Leopard tanks hailed for speed and precision in Ukraine
Soldiers from the 155th Mechanized Brigade have shared their perspectives on NATO tanks currently serving in the Armed Forces of Ukraine. They particularly highlight the German Leopards, noting that these tanks not only surpass post-Soviet and Russian models but also, in many respects, outperform other Western armored vehicles.
According to ArmyInform, the Ukrainian defense ministry's information agency, which collected the soldiers' views: "If we compare German Leopard tanks with the Soviet T-64, T-72, as well as British Challengers and American Abrams, the Leopards fall into the medium-sized category. However, they distinguish themselves with high mobility, speed, agility, and most importantly, accuracy in target destruction. This advantage is especially noticeable when compared to Soviet tanks."
Ukrainians praise the German Leopards
The Ukrainian forces appreciate that the Leopards are equipped with diesel engines, making them easier to maintain and repair compared to the Abrams tanks, which use a gas turbine engine.
The Ukrainians report that the German tanks can reach a maximum speed exceeding 50 mph, which is more than the manufacturer's stated 45 mph. In reverse, they can move at speeds up to 19 mph. This capability is highly valued, especially considering that post-Soviet T-72s can only move backward at about 3 mph. 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 during the late 1980s and early 1990s, are being delivered to Ukraine. The Leopard 1A5s have 105 mm caliber guns, while the Leopard 2A4s are equipped with 120 mm caliber guns. According to Ukrainians, the Leopard 2A4s offer significant firepower and a range of several miles.
A key advantage the Leopards have over most post-Soviet and Russian tanks is the EMES fire control system with thermal imaging, which greatly enhances their combat capabilities and allows for night operations.
The safety of the Leopard 2A4 tank crew is significantly enhanced by the full isolation of the main ammunition storage, a feature that is absent in many similar machines produced in the USSR and later in Russia.
Leopard 2A6 tanks have also been sent to Ukraine, albeit in smaller numbers. These tanks are newer and are currently the most advanced NATO tanks in service in Ukraine, appearing on the front lines thanks to efforts by Germany and Portugal.
