For many months there has been a dispute over the supply of main battle tanks to Ukraine. Now a decision has been made.
Nothing works without the approval of the federal government, but for a long time Olaf Scholz refused to hand over the Leopard 2 main battle tank to Ukraine. But now there is movement in the discussion: According to information from t-online, Germany is ready to deliver its own Leopard 2A6 battle tanks. In addition, one apparently wants to allow other countries – including Scandinavian ones – to pass on the German battle tanks. Read more about it here.
But what can the Leopard tanks do in Ukraine and how should they be used? They are superior to the Russian device, especially in the more modern versions, and can often destroy the opponent in a “duel”. Experts regard the Leopard as the best battle tank in the world in its respective generation.
The think tank European Council on Foreign Relations (ECFR) had already presented a plan in September as to how Ukraine could quickly build up a first brigade with around 90 Leopard 2s – according to the plan, this is enough for a noteworthy effect on the battlefield. A major advantage of the Leopard tank is its widespread use: According to the manufacturer, 3,500 units were built, and 15 armies use it in Europe alone.
Leopard 2 would have many advantages for Ukraine
The US broadcaster ABC News reported on Tuesday, citing a Ukrainian government official, that 12 states had signaled their willingness to deliver Leopard tanks, including Spain, the Netherlands and Denmark. The Ukrainian site is quoted as saying that a total of 100 Leopards are already available. The assurances had already been made last week at the Ukraine talks in Ramstein. Judging by the numbers, virtually all European Leopard users except Turkey should have signaled their readiness.
Other advantages of the large user community are the existing logistical infrastructure and the knowledge of maintaining and repairing the devices. The Leopard 2’s 120mm gun would also give Ukraine access to modern NATO ammunition – ammunition for the 125mm guns of Ukraine’s Soviet tanks is apparently becoming increasingly difficult to organize.
Leopard is not equal to leopard
This list from the International Institute for Strategic Studies (IISS) shows which variants of the Leopard 2 the NATO countries use:
According to the IISS, the 2A6, which is to be delivered from Germany, along with the 2A4 and 2A5, would have the greatest benefit for Ukraine. The Leopard 2A4 is on a par with older Russian tanks like the T-64 from the 1960s in terms of firepower, armor and optical systems, but the 2A4 is unlikely to be a match for newer Russian models like the T-72 or the T-90.
Former Commander-in-Chief of the US Army in Europe, Ben Hodges, told US radio station NPR that Ukraine could use Leopard tanks to strike against the Russian-held corridor from the Donbass to the annexed Crimea peninsula. In addition, the Ukraine could form a heavily armored unit with western battle tanks, “the spearhead of a force that could break through the Russian lines in the direction of Mariupol.” And in general, the infantry could be paved the way to advance with such battle tanks.
Different systems could cause problems
France had also indicated that it would send its comparable Leclerc-type main battle tanks to Ukraine if Germany agreed to the delivery of the Leopard 2. The UK has already started delivery of 14 of its Challenger 2, while reports are mounting in the US that the US government is ready to send Abrams main battle tanks to Ukraine.
For the use of weapon systems, however, it is advantageous if the device is as uniform as possible. The large device may even have to be driven out of the Ukraine for repairs. The tank builder Krauss-Maffei Wegmann (KMW) and the German Ministry of Defense have set up a workshop center (“hub”) in the border area between Slovakia and the Ukraine in order to repair systems such as the Panzerhaubitze 2000 after use at the front and to replace wearing parts.
