Germany has finally conceded to the demand of sending its high-tech Leopard 2 main battle tanks to Ukraine. It is believed that the German-made battle tanks would make a key difference in the country’s war with Russia. But, what is so special about the Leopard 2?
The Leopard 2, first produced in 1979 by Krauss-Maffei for the German Ministry of Defence, is a main battle tank known for its advanced features and capabilities. Leopard 2A7A1 of the Leopard family ranks top on the list of the most powerful tanks in the world. It has been widely adopted by various countries and is currently in service with the armies of Austria, Canada, Chile, Denmark, Finland, Germany, Greece, the Netherlands, Norway, Poland, Portugal, Singapore, Switzerland, Sweden, Spain, and Turkey. The Leopard 2’s combination of firepower, protection, speed, and maneuverability makes it adaptable to many types of combat situations, making it one of the best battle tanks in the world, perhaps second only to the US-made M1 Abrams tank.
Here are the top 7 reasons why the Leopard 2 is so special:
- High mobility: Despite its 55-ton weight, the tank is designed for high mobility and can reach maximum speeds of around 44 mph.
- Advanced safety features: It is equipped with advanced safety features to protect its crew. One of these features is compartmentalized ammunition storage, which prevents the catastrophic “jack-in-the-box” explosions that were observed in Russia’s T-72 tanks, where the ammunition was stored below the crew.
- Easy to operate: The Leopard 2 is a diesel-powered main battle tank, which makes it easier to operate than the American M1 Abrams, which runs on jet fuel.
- Easy to refuel: The diesel engine enables easy refueling and provides a range of around 210 miles on roads.
- Short training time: This also leads to shorter training times for crew members as the diesel engine is simpler to maintain and operate. Additionally, this feature also makes it more fuel-efficient and cost-effective in the long run.
- Wide range of suppliers: It uses standardized NATO 120mm ammunition, which expands Ukraine’s access to a wider range of suppliers compared to its current tanks, which require 125mm ammunition.
- Wide availability: The Leopard 2 has wide availability, with over 2000 units in service across Europe, making it easily accessible.
Finally, A tank’s true strength lies in its crew, not just its technology. A top-notch team can elevate a mediocre tank to greatness, while a subpar crew can render even the most advanced tank ineffective.
