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As with many different tanks on the battlefield immediately, the Leopard has roots that return into designs of the Nineteen Seventies. Getting into into service on the finish of that decade, the Leopard 2 is thought to be a “third technology primary battle tank.” Nevertheless, that tag additionally applies to each the Russian T-80 and the U.S. M1. It was a interval when a number of totally different theories of tank design have been being utilized, and that exhibits within the specs of those autos. Much more so than with fighter jets, that technology label says little in regards to the efficiency of those weapons within the discipline.
Tank | Gun | Weight (tons) | Engine |
---|---|---|---|
T-64B | 125mm | 38.0 | Diesel |
T-72B | 125mm | 44.5 | Diesel |
T-80 | 125mm | 43.0 | Diesel/Turbine |
M1A1 Abrams | 120mm | 67.6 | Turbine |
Leopard 2A6 | 120mm | 64.5 | Diesel |
Proper now, Ukraine has tanks of the T-64, T-72, and T-80 sequence (and a few captured T-90 tanks courtesy of Russia). They’re all able to firing the identical 125mm shells, they’re all of comparable measurement, and so they all have a three-person crew. Although they’ve a number of totally different engines relying on the age of the tank and are outfitted with totally different ranges of electronics and hearth management, there’s a number of household resemblance throughout these tanks.
Each the Abrams and the Leopard are a lot bigger autos, with crews of 4 and primary weapons which might be incompatible with the ammo Ukraine is already carrying across the nation in giant portions. They share zip diddly with the tanks Ukraine is at the moment utilizing, which means {that a} lengthy logistical chain—every little thing from shells, to treads, to electronics, to every little thing else—can be essential to preserve them rolling.
Not solely are the 2 different tanks extra related to one another than something that Ukraine is now utilizing, they have been actually alleged to be the identical tank. Within the Nineteen Seventies, Germany and the U.S. went by way of a prolonged strategy of making an attempt to create a tank that might be the NATO commonplace, with adjustments made to each the prototype Leopards and the M1X to convey them nearer into alignment. Nevertheless, ultimately the U.S. opted for his or her tank whereas a lot of Europe went for the German design, and a number of finger-pointing ensued. The M1 initially had a 105mm gun, which means NATO wouldn’t even have commonplace primary gun diameter. Fortunately, that was mounted with the M1A1. (Notice: It seems solely the Abrams can hearth the distinctive depleted uranium “silver bullet” rounds designed to tear straight by way of different armor).
What would make the Leopard a greater match than the Abrams? One clue is perhaps present in the identical experiences kos identified when speaking in regards to the issue the Ukrainian military has in sustaining different unfamiliar NATO tools. Proper now even the comparatively easy M777 artillery items are being shipped throughout the border into Poland after they want repairs, then again to Ukraine. At any given time a couple of third of those weapons are reportedly someplace within the restore cycle.
That these fixes can’t be accomplished within the discipline is irritating and takes a great deal of the worth away from these weapons. Nevertheless, the Ukrainian army is just not able proper now to unlock 1000’s of individuals for months of intensive coaching on system upkeep. There are a variety of Ukrainian troopers being educated to take care of these and different programs. Once they get again to Ukraine, they’re alleged to act as trainers themselves. Let’s hope the struggle is over earlier than they convene their top quality.
However you understand who already drives Leopard 2 tanks? Poland does. Actually, the Leopard 2 is at the moment utilized by—take a deep breath—Austria, Denmark, Germany, the Netherlands, Norway, Poland, Spain, Switzerland, Sweden, and Turkey. Germany not too long ago agreed to provide some to Czechia since Czechia is sending its T-72 tanks to Ukraine. These nations that use the Leopard 2 love the Leopard 2 for most of the identical causes that People love the M1A1: It has confirmed extremely sturdy in battle; is particularly good when coping with mines, IEDs, and anti-tank missiles; and it will possibly solemnly tear up older armor.
One massive motive for that is that in some essential locations the Leopard 2 is carrying 1500mm of armor. Return and shift the decimal place round in case you like. That’s 1.5 meters of metal between the occupants and issues making an attempt to get to them. The entrance higher plate on the Leopard 2 is 860mm thick. Examine that to 280mm on a T-72. It’s mind-boggling.
Why is the Leopard 2 so heavy? That’s why. In comparison with one thing like a T-72, the German tank is hauling round one other 20 tons of passenger safety.
That safety has confirmed to be very efficient in observe. Repeatedly, the tanks have survived being hit with anti-tank missiles, hitting mines, or being blasted by IEDs. In 2008, a Leopard 2 in Afghanistan did lose a driver after working over a big IED as a result of the concussive wave unfold to the motive force’s chair, which was bolted to the ground. Since then, many fashions of the tank have altered the seating, placing the crew in harnesses designed to cut back passing alongside any blow to the hull.
In fact, the M1A1 additionally has a document. That document consists of going by way of over 2,000 Iraqi tanks within the Persian Gulf Struggle with no single loss. Included in these Iraqi numbers have been a number of hundred T-72s. Little question Zelenskyy can’t cease considering of what such a tank may do in Ukraine. And hell, U.S. generals would like to see that check.
They’re each nice tanks, and Poland does have 250 M1A1s supposedly on the best way as a part of a promise the U.S. made when Poland handed over most of its older Soviet-era tanks to Ukraine.
Nevertheless, the Leopard 2 is very regarded by NATO, extensively utilized in Europe, and Germany plans to maintain them in manufacturing by way of 2030. There are mechanics proper subsequent door in Poland with years of expertise in sustaining the Leopard 2 and there’s already a pipeline established by which Ukraine is transport tools forwards and backwards to Poland for repairs. That’s much more tough to do with a tank than an artillery gun (one thing over 60 tons won’t even be amenable to going alongside quietly with a Ukrainian tractor), and tanks break down so much, even when nobody is capturing at them. Nonetheless, of the trendy tanks, the Leopard 2 is probably going your best option for proper now in Ukraine.
Just lately a Ukrainian official has advised that Europe may pool their 2000+ Leopard 2 tanks right into a “tank alliance” that might be shifted round to the place they’re wanted. With 200 of them going to Ukraine.
That’s not going to occur. Actually, Germany not too long ago particularly forbid Poland from forwarding any of their present fleet of Leopards to Kyiv. Nevertheless, whereas discussing the scenario, German Chancellor Olaf Scholz said that Germany wouldn’t “unilaterally ship tanks to Ukraine,” which means that one thing like that tank alliance would possibly really be the important thing to creating this work. If every European nation gave up, say, simply a few Leopard 2s to some type of unbiased group and then that group loaned 20 or so Leopards to Ukraine, it wouldn’t be every little thing they wanted, however it will be an excellent check. In any case, any such radical introduction goes to need to be handled as an experiment. Supplying these tanks to a couple models, figuring out what supplies and what abilities are wanted to maintain them operational on a everyday foundation, after which determining how you can take care of severe harm and breakdowns may all be labored out whereas leaving the T64 by way of T90 crews in place.
How would a Leopard 2 fare towards an M1A1 in fight? How about we don’t give Russia both one, and simply stay with not figuring out.
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