Germany approved the idea of transferring Leopard-1 tanks to Ukraine. It is worth noting that this vehicle is not a version of the Leopard-2, it is a completely different tank. First of all, it is much older.
So, we are talking about a car from the 1960s. Oleg Katkov, editor-in-chief of Defense Express, told Channel 24 about this.
What is known about Leopard-1
Of course, the Leopard-1 was undergoing modernization, but all the same, conceptual things were put into it back in the 60s. It's about:
- 105 mm cannon, since the modern 120 mm did not even exist then;
- armor level. So, Leopard has always been characterized by a low level of booking. Even the most modern version of this tank, the 1A5, which appeared in the late 1980s, is not comparable to the Leopard-2 or the American Abrams.
Perhaps for some units of the Armed Forces of Ukraine it is better to have at least some tanks than none. And Leopard-1 in this case can handle it. However, you should not expect the Leopard-1 to be almost like the Leopard-2 or Abrams. Objectively, this tank is much weaker,” Katkov noted.
In particular, the Leopard-1 has weaker armor and firepower.
In addition, an important aspect here is which version we need will transmit. So, if Germany will provide our state with the latest modernization of this 1A5 tank, then it is still not so bad. This version of the tank has a thermal imager, a digital fire control system, and stronger armor.
“This is the maximum that could be squeezed out of this car,” the military expert emphasized.
Katkov estimated the power of the Leopard-1: watch the video
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Can Leopard-1 interfere with the transfer of Leopard-2
Katkov noted that our partners are well aware that Leopard-1 is not equal to modern vehicles in terms of efficiency on the battlefield. However, most likely a situation has really developed when it is better for certain units of the Armed Forces to have at least some tanks. For example, those troops that are in reserve directions, in particular in the North.
There are places where you can use the Leopard-1 and that's what the allies are counting on, – said a military expert.
In addition, it is important that these vehicles use standard 105-millimeter tank shells. And these ammunition were the main tanks for NATO countries throughout almost the entire Cold War. Therefore, there will be no shortage of shells for the Leopard-1.
