Ukraine's military has begun training its crews on the Leopard 1A5 tanks, and early reports suggest that these tanks are significantly superior to Soviet-era models like the T-62 and T-72.
Faster and More Accurate
Ukrainian soldiers have described the Leopard 1A5 as faster and more accurate compared to older Soviet tanks, highlighting its advanced capabilities.
The Leopard 1 tank series dates back to the 1960s, but the A5 variant was developed in the 1990s with several key improvements. One of the most notable upgrades is the EMES 18 fire control system, which enhances targeting and accuracy, according to WP.
This system, derived from the EMES 15 used in the Leopard 2A4, gives the Leopard 1A5 a substantial edge over the outdated fire control systems found in Soviet-era tanks.
Oleksandr Pavliuk, commander of the Ukrainian Ground Forces, noted that Ukrainian troops have found the Leopard 1A5 to be both quicker and more precise than the T-64 and T-72 tanks. Videos of Ukrainian crews training on these tanks, shared by Ukraine’s Ministry of Defense, have showcased their increased effectiveness.
More Durable Than Soviet-Era Tanks
Ukraine has received dozens of Leopard 1A5 tanks as part of Western military support, with more expected in the coming months. Germany, Denmark, and the Netherlands have been the primary suppliers of these tanks, which have been further upgraded to enhance their battlefield performance.
The modernized Leopard 1A5 tanks delivered to Ukraine have been equipped with reactive armor blocks, such as the Kontakt-1, to improve their otherwise outdated armor protection.
Although still not on par with newer models, this additional armor makes the Leopard 1A5 more durable than many Soviet-era tanks.
Armed with a 105 mm rifled gun, the Leopard 1A5 can reach speeds of up to 65 km/h (40 mph) on roads and about 40 km/h (25 mph) in off-road conditions, making it a valuable addition to Ukraine’s armored forces as they continue to face Russian opposition.
