How Ukraine Leopard tank breakthrough opens new offensive options for Kyiv
Ukraine is set to receive multiple different sub-variants of the Leopard 2 from a range of donor countries within NATO. (Photo: KMW)
With donations of Leopard 2, Challenger 2 and M1 Abrams tanks to Ukraine all now confirmed, Shephard Defence Insight analyses the implications for the conflict and the NATO nations supplying Kyiv with MBTs.
Spanning over ten versions and sub-variants, the Leopard 2 from Germany’s Krauss-Maffei Wegmann (KMW) has been the tank of choice for much of Europe since its development in the 1970s. From Germany, across Central Europe, and all the way to the Ukrainian border in Slovakia and Poland, approximately 3,000 Leopard 2s are in service across 14 countries.
Featuring a 120mm NATO smoothbore cannon, hunter-killer capability, and ESW-Extel Systems all-electric gun control equipment, it is little surprise that the long-awaited announcement of Leopard 2 donations to Ukraine from across Europe has provoked such a stir. With a proven record equal to
Our news & analysis is now part of Defence Insight®
A Basic-level or higher Defence Insight subscription is now required to view this content.
More from Land Warfare
-
![Predicted air defence spending boom opens doors to Indian industry]()
Predicted air defence spending boom opens doors to Indian industry
Recent conflicts have created a surge in interceptor demand worldwide while exposing potential supply chain challenges, positioning India as a cost-effective partner and scalable supplier.
-
![March land forces roundup: A new war confronts the old drone problem]()
March land forces roundup: A new war confronts the old drone problem
The attack by the US and Israel on Iran which began at the end of February presented a Ukraine-like scenario of drone-led warfare – in fact the same drone type in the Shahed – and the problem of how to counter them.
-
![New US$1.4 billion package to boost Canada’s defence capabilities]()
New US$1.4 billion package to boost Canada’s defence capabilities
The Canadian defence department has outlined major investments in ISR solutions, small arms and ammunition production capabilities as the country pushes for greater self-reliance to bolster its forces and its supply chain.
