Kyiv is urging Western allies to provide modern battle tanks for its fight with Russian forces as the war in Ukraine nears its one-year mark. Additionally, the Ukrainians want a specific model, the German-made Leopard 2.
Different tanks have been offered by other nations, including Britain, which earlier this month promised 14 Challenger 2 models. However, Kyiv is more interested in the Leopard 2 because of its speed and ease of use, as well as the fact that there are a lot of them already in Europe.
After months of debate among Western allies, Germany announced plans on Wednesday to send 14 of its Leopard 2 tanks to Ukraine and allow other nations to send their own.
What you need to know about the Leopard 2 and why Ukraine claims it needs them are listed below.
Why is the Leopard 2 preferred by Ukraine?
Since its introduction in 1979, the Leopard 2 has earned a reputation as one of the world's best main battle tanks thanks to numerous upgrades.
It was designed by Krauss-Maffei Wegmann, a manufacturer of arms in West Germany, to take the place of the original Leopard tank, which went into service in 1965. The Leopard 2 is more advanced than a lot of the tanks from the Soviet era that both Ukrainian and Russian forces use.
The tank can operate day and night even in older versions thanks to modern optics like thermal imaging, magnification, and a laser range finder for tracking targets. Despite their 55-ton weight, the tanks are designed to move quickly, reaching a maximum speed of 44 miles per hour, according to the manufacturer.
Additionally, the Leopard 2 has a number of safety features. Compartmented ammunition storage prevents the devastating "jack-in-the-box" explosions that Russia's T-72 tanks, in which ammunition is stored below the crew, have experienced.
The tank is powered by a diesel engine that provides the vehicle with an extended road range of approximately 210 miles and is relatively simple to refuel. Additionally, it makes use of NATO-standard 120mm ammunition, giving Ukraine access to a wider range of suppliers than its current tanks, which require 125mm.
What about the other options, such as the American M1 Abrams?
The Leopard 2 is only up against one other main battle tank: The M1 Abrams, which is made in the United States.
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