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
Already have an account? Log in
Want to keep reading this article?
More from Land Warfare
-
![Levelling up – how autonomous fire control tackles unmanned lethality head-on]()
Levelling up – how autonomous fire control tackles unmanned lethality head-on
As autonomous weapon systems proliferate, it is now essential to use the same core technologies to counteract and neutralise them.
-
![BAE Systems Hägglunds’ CV90120 medium tank takes shape]()
BAE Systems Hägglunds’ CV90120 medium tank takes shape
The new vehicle will be based on the CV90 Mk IV chassis and turret, and will be armed with a Rheinmetall 120mm L44A1 low recoil smoothbore gun.
-
![UK government argues strife has little impact on steel supply but imports reign]()
UK government argues strife has little impact on steel supply but imports reign
Speaking in the UK Parliament, Defence Minister Luke Pollard said possible changes in the country’s steelmaking industry will have little impact on defence projects; while much of the steel in British vehicles and ships is imported.
