Leopard 2A4 tanks bolster Ukraine's defence on frontlines
A video has emerged on social media showcasing the combat use of the Leopard 2A4 tank by one of the Ukrainian brigades. The German tanks, known for their important features and capabilities, have repeatedly aided in repelling Russian offensives and are well-regarded by Ukrainian soldiers.
The video featuring the Leopard 2A4 was posted on the official profile of the Ukrainian Ministry of Defense on platform X.
Leopard 2A4 in Ukraine
The accompanying description informs us that it was a tank from the 33rd Mechanized Brigade of the Ukrainian Army. This brigade's members have praised these German tanks' capabilities in interviews.
The video shows the Ukrainian crew of the Leopard 2A4 charging at Russian positions on the edge of a forest. The Ukrainians did not disclose the location of the event. However, previous reports indicate that the 33rd Mechanized Brigade has been active in regions such as Zaporizhia and Donetsk.
Valuable NATO tanks in Ukraine
German Leopards are the most frequently supplied NATO tanks to Ukraine. Many of them are the 2A4 variant, produced in the late 1980s and early 1990s. These tanks are often described as the "pinnacle of tank development from the Cold War era." Over the years, they have become part of the arsenal of various NATO countries, including Poland, which still operates the modified Leopard 2PL tanks.
The original Leopard 2A4 features a Rheinmetall L/44 smoothbore gun with a 120 mm calibre, two 7.62 mm machine guns and a smoke grenade launcher. It is powered by a 1,500-horsepower engine, enabling the crew to reach speeds of up to about 70 km/h on paved surfaces.
According to Ukrainian soldiers, Leopard 2A4 tanks offer good mobility, manoeuvrability, and firepower surpassing most post-Soviet and some Russian tanks. This is partly due to its effective EMES 15 fire control system, which includes thermal imaging.
