Germany accelerates tank support to Ukraine with 90 Leopard 1s delivered

The German weekly WirtschaftsWoche has provided a more optimistic update on the supply of German tanks to Ukraine, revealing that the situation is not as dire as previously believed. The report highlights that Kyiv has already received 90 Leopard 1 tank, a mix of direct provisions from Germany and contributions by the Danish Ministry of Defense. Despite being an older model compared to the currently used Leopard 2 tanks by the Bundeswehr, the Leopard 1s are significant additions, albeit many required repairs upon delivery.

Furthermore, the article notes an expected acceleration in support, with 20 more Leopard 1 tanks slated for renovation and delivery to Ukraine by the end of June. Looking ahead to the second half of 2024, another batch of 25 tanks is anticipated to be dispatched. If these projections hold, Ukraine's arsenal will be bolstered by up to 135 Leopard 1 tanks by the end of 2024. Developed in the 1960s and officially rolled out in 1965, Leopard 1 tanks offer less armour protection than newer models.

Military Today reminds readers of the tanks' vulnerabilities, especially in historical context: German assessments had reckoned that the Soviet T-62 tank could breach the Leopard 1's front armour from about 1.1 miles away, a capability surpassed by the more advanced T-72, which could penetrate from beyond 1.8 miles. Nonetheless, the Leopard 1 tanks have a robust L7A3 105 mm rifled cannon, complemented by two MG3 7.62mm machine guns and a smoke grenade launcher, marking them as formidable assets in Ukraine's defence efforts.