German government spokesman Steffen Hebestreit announced today that the country will deliver 14 Leopard 2A6 main battle tanks to Ukraine, and approved the proposal of partner countries to re-export this tank to the country. Eastern European nations with the goal of quickly forming two battalions of Leopard 2 tanks for Kiev.
European countries have supplied hundreds of Soviet-era tanks and armor to Ukraine, but the country has repeatedly called on the West to provide modern weapons to bolster its ability to counter-attack against Russian forces.
Germany’s decision comes after weeks of Chancellor Olaf Scholz’s government under pressure from allies. As the country that designed and produced the Leopard 2, Germany has the right to accept or reject export offers from countries that wish to supply their tanks to a third country.
Leopard 2 is a third generation battle tank developed in the 1970s for the West German army, to replace the American M48 Patton and Leopard 1 in service. Leopard 2 tank is considered to possess strong firepower, high maneuverability and armor that can withstand many modern weapons.
Germany has built more than 3,600 Leopard 2 tanks, a series of variants in service with the German army and 13 European countries, as well as many countries outside the region.
The Leopard 2A6 version is nearly 10 m long, 3.75 m wide and 3 m high, with a mass of more than 62 tons. The car is equipped with a water-cooled MTU MB 873 Ka-501 diesel engine with a capacity of 1,479 horsepower, allowing Leopard 2 to reach a maximum speed of 70 km / h.
The main weapon of the Leopard 2 is the 120 mm Rheinmetall Rh-120 smoothbore cannon, which can fire a variety of ammunition such as sub-caliber split-barrel (APFSDS), recessed explosive (HEAT) and anti-tank missiles. The cannon has an effective range of 4 km with armor-piercing ammunition and 8 km with LAHAT guided anti-tank ammunition.
Leopard 2 tank is equipped with EMES 15 fire control system with laser rangefinder and thermal imaging camera. The laser rangefinder has a maximum range of 10 km and an error of about 10 m. The fire control complex with stabilizing equipment allows Leopard 2 to hit maneuverable targets at a distance of up to 5 km while moving on rough terrain.