Upgraded Leopard 2A4: Ukraine's armour breakthrough
Ukrainians modernized the Leopard 2A4 tanks they received by adding many Kontakt-1 reactive armour blocks. Here's what else these machines were equipped with.
Leopard 2A4 tanks were the most frequently delivered variant to Ukraine; their armour, indicative of the 1980s era, was inadequate for new anti-tank measures. It's no wonder Ukrainians decided to modify these tanks, with the most visible addition being the Kontakt-1 reactive armour blocks.
The upgrades didn't stop there; the tanks were also equipped with folding anti-drone nets, similar to those used on T-64BW tanks. Although FPV drones are not as significant a threat to Leopard 2 crews as they are in post-Soviet machines, they can still immobilize a tank.
When deployed, these nets are designed to prematurely detonate, for example, a PG-7VL grenade about 51 centimetres from the armour, ensuring the tank does not suffer any damage. Alternatively, with shaped charge warheads, the net is meant to detonate the precursor, which otherwise could "dismantle" a Kontakt-1 armour block.
Leopard 2A4 tanks, the armoured core of NATO's European section during the Cold War
The Leopard 2A4 represents the 1980s era in tank technology. These were among the first third-generation Western tanks produced on a large scale. Their standout feature was the innovative approach to armour construction, consisting of multiple layers of different materials, including steel, composites, and ceramics, providing exceptional protection relative to thickness and weight. They withstand shots from post-Soviet era machines but pose challenges with, for example, T-90M.
Moreover, the stabilized gun and advanced fire control systems enabled quick and precise firing, even while moving. The designers also prioritized crew comfort and safety, setting them apart from Soviet tank designs. An example is the complete isolation of the main ammunition storage located in the turret recess, containing 15 combined rounds.
This ammunition is stored in an armoured bunker-type compartment, with doors that open only briefly (while the loader retrieves a round), and if the ammunition ignites, the side walls are weakened to redirect the explosion force outward.
In terms of firepower and precision, even after several decades, the Leopard 2A4 still surpasses most Russian tanks. Its 120mm calibre gun, 44 calibres long, supported by the EMES 15 fire control system with a thermal imaging sight, can destroy T-72 family tanks from a few kilometres away even at night.
On the other hand, this is practically unfeasible because Russian machines have poor optics (Ukrainians serving on T-72s report that shooting at one kilometre is an excellent result) and lack thermal sights. Exceptions include the new Russian T-80BWM, T-72B3/M, or T-90M, of which Russia has already lost most of its initial inventory.
