Ukraine upgrades Leopard 2A4 tanks with advanced defences
Ukrainians have modernised the Leopard 2A4 tanks they received, not only by adding a significant number of Kontakt-1 reactive armour blocks. Let's explore what else these machines have been equipped with.
Leopard 2A4 tanks were the most frequently delivered variant to Ukraine. The original armour was representative of the 1980s, but it was inadequate for new anti-tank measures. Hence, it's no surprise that Ukrainians decided to modify these tanks, with the most visible addition being the Kontakt-1 reactive armour blocks.
However, the modifications don't stop there. Some machines have been equipped with folding anti-drone nets, similar to those used on T-64BW tanks. Although FPV drones are not as deadly a threat to Leopard 2 crews as they were in post-Soviet machines, they can still immobilise a tank, for example.
Such nets, when deployed, are designed to cause a premature detonation of, for instance, a PG-7VL grenade over half a metre from the armour, ensuring the tank does not suffer any damage. Alternatively, in the case of shaped charge warheads, the net is intended to detonate the precursor, which would otherwise "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. They 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 tanks but face challenges with models like the T-90M.
Moreover, the stabilised gun and advanced fire control systems enabled quick and precise firing, even while moving. The designers also considered crew comfort and safety, distinguishing them from Soviet tank designs. An example is the complete isolation of the main ammunition storage in the turret recess, containing 15 combined rounds.
These are stored in an armoured bunker-type compartment, with doors that open only briefly when the loader retrieves a round, and if the ammunition ignites, the side walls are weakened to redirect the explosion force outside.
In terms of firing power 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 several kilometres even at night.
In contrast, this is practically unfeasible for Russian tanks because the optics in Russian machines are poor (Ukrainians serving on T-72s claim that shooting at 1 kilometre is already a good result), and they lack thermal sights. Exceptions are the newer Russian T-80BWM, T-72B3/M, or T-90M, of which Russia has already lost most of its initial inventory.
