Science

Named the lack of tanks transferred to Kyiv Leopard 2

11:20 05.06.2023 Science

The armor of the Leopard 2 tanks in the A4 variant, which were transferred to Kyiv, provides poor protection against modern anti-tank weapons. The lack of German-made tanks was named in the RIA Novosti material.

It is noted that 2A4 was the last modification of the Leopard 2 during the Cold War. This model was intended to combat Soviet tanks and was not designed to counter armed anti-tank missile systems (ATGM) and improvised explosive devices (IEDs) of opponents. These tanks were used by Türkiye in northern Syria.

“Unlike subsequent modifications, 2A4 provides rather weak protection against modern anti-tank missiles, especially when hit on board or stern. The side armor of this variant is even thinner than that of the early T-72s.

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In 2016, at least ten Turkish Leopard 2A4s were destroyed near the city of El Bab. Most of the vehicles were destroyed by the Soviet Fagot, Metis and Konkurs anti-tank systems, the armor penetration of which was enough to defeat the Leopard 2.

The author of the material emphasizes that the Russian army has more powerful anti-tank weapons, including the Kornet anti-tank missile system, which is capable of penetrating up to 1300 millimeters of homogeneous armor. This may be enough to defeat the Leopard 2 in the frontal part.

In February, Rostec reported that the Russian Kornet anti-tank systems, as well as the Whirlwind and Ataka aircraft missiles, would be able to effectively hit Leopard 2 tanks.

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