New footage from the entrance traces in Russia’s Kursk area, which has confronted Ukrainian assaults since early August, reveals the destruction of a coveted Ukrainian Leopard 2A6 important battle tank in a drone strike.
Whereas movies more and more showcase the obliteration of Ukraine’s different superior Western-supplied tank, the M1A1 Abrams, the Leopard 2A6 has appeared much less continuously on the battlefield. Deployed to the entrance traces a lot earlier, these tanks have hardly ever been noticed in fight situations.
In line with German sources, as of early January, solely a small variety of Ukraine’s Leopard 2A6 tanks stay operational, with the fleet struggling vital fight losses.
Whereas Ukraine has acquired a major variety of Western-built tanks, most of those are older fashions such because the Leopard 1 and Leopard 2A4. The extra superior Leopard 2A6 is commonly reserved for elite models just like the forty seventh Mechanized Brigade.
Apparently, the Leopard 2A6 made its fight debut through the mass offensives in opposition to Russian positions in early June 2023. Surprisingly, it was among the many first Western-supplied automobiles to be disabled and destroyed by Russian forces.
Along with fight losses, a number of Leopard 2 tanks have been captured by Russian forces. These captured automobiles usually are not solely displayed inside the nation but additionally studied extensively. Each the extra superior Leopard 2A6 and the broadly out there, although much less succesful, Leopard 2A4 have been captured. A Leopard 2A4 was confirmed captured in December 2022, adopted by a Leopard 2A6 in April 2023.
In early September, footage surfaced exhibiting the seize of one other Leopard 2A6 and an M1 Abrams close to the strategically essential city of Avdiivka within the disputed Donbas area. Whereas Germany and different European nations have dedicated to rising their provide of Leopard 1 tanks, neither Berlin nor Washington has indicated plans to ship extra Leopard 2A6 or M1 Abrams tanks. This makes the lack of these superior automobiles significantly difficult for the Ukrainian Military to switch. Furthermore, Ukraine’s most succesful Soviet-era tank, the T-80, which encompasses a highly effective fuel turbine engine much like the Abrams, has additionally been continuously seen dealing with vital losses.
Just lately, inside the previous 24 hours, information broke that Australia and the US are in discussions to produce M1 Abrams tanks, retired from Australian service to Ukraine. This transfer aligns with the worldwide neighborhood’s continued efforts to help Ukraine amidst its ongoing battle with Russia.
These talks come as Australia steps up its navy support to Ukraine and commits to new strategic measures to bolster European safety. In line with unofficial sources, the variety of tanks proposed is substantial, aiming to reinforce the Ukrainian military’s armored capabilities to handle the present battlefield circumstances. A closing settlement is anticipated to be explored within the coming days, which couldn’t solely reinforce strategic ties between Australia and Ukraine but additionally strengthen the partnership between Australia and the US.
The Leopard 2A6 tank despatched to Ukraine stands as one of the crucial refined important battle tanks globally. Armed with a 120mm Rheinmetall L55 smoothbore gun, it delivers distinctive firepower and accuracy. This formidable tank can launch quite a lot of ammunition, together with armor-piercing, high-explosive, and even guided projectiles. Its state-of-the-art fireplace management system permits for correct concentrating on even whereas on the transfer, and its thermal optic capabilities guarantee precision in any visibility circumstances.
Beneath its armored exterior, the Leopard 2A6 boasts a robust MTU MB 873 diesel engine with round 1,500 horsepower. This energy grants it spectacular maneuverability and pace. On roads, it may attain as much as 72 km/h, and even off-road, it may transfer at speeds of as much as 50 km/h. Weighing roughly 62.5 tons, it gives each stability and safety, due to its superior design and multi-layered armor, composed of composite supplies and geared up with lively safety methods.
On the subject of protection, the Leopard 2A6 is top-tier. Its mixed armor is particularly engineered to deflect and soak up hits from anti-tank shells. Including to its prowess, the tank is fitted with trendy communication and management applied sciences, enabling seamless integration into up to date fight networks. This functionality is essential for the efficient coordination of fight models on at the moment’s dynamic battlefield.
The Russian navy has been creating intricate methods to fight Leopard 2A6 armored tanks, creatively leveraging reconnaissance and anti-tank drones. These drones ship real-time updates on the placement and motion of enemy tanks, successfully appearing as sentinels on the battlefield.
With their capability for surveillance, these drones relay crucial knowledge to commanders, who can then pinpoint weak spots within the Leopard 2A6 formations and orchestrate exact assaults. Apparently, some drones are even outfitted with small bombs or missiles, giving them the power to strike armored models straight.
The Russian forces don’t cease there; in addition they make use of the Kornet anti-tank guided missile system, particularly engineered to chop by means of heavy armor. The Kornet boasts a spread of as much as 5.5 km and employs laser concentrating on to make sure exceptional accuracy.
As soon as a drone locks onto a goal, it communicates with the Kornet’s fireplace management system, which might swiftly dispatch missiles with pinpoint precision. This blended use of reconnaissance and direct assault enhances the success price of their strikes, making the Leopard 2A6 notably weak on the battlefield.
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