“Leopard 2” .. German tanks among the best in the world.

Dina Mahmud (London)

The German Leopard 2 tank appears to be one of the most important pieces of military hardware that the government of Ukrainian President Volodymyr Zelenskyy continues to press to bolster its forces’ capabilities as hostilities in the country loom. Your sophomore year. Although the UK announced its willingness to supply Kyiv with British-made Challenger 2 tanks, along with dozens of self-propelled artillery pieces, along with France’s willingness to supply light main battle tanks to the Ukrainian army, this did not appear to be enough. Zelinsky about the Leopard 2, which military experts say has many advantages on the battlefield. This model, which entered service in 1979 and has undergone several developments since then, is known in western military circles as the best main battle tank model in the world and, at the same time, the easiest to use.
And if kyiv includes this model in its military arsenal, it will become the most advanced of all tanks used by the Ukrainian army, since it surpasses in capabilities what the Zelenskyi government previously got from Eastern European countries in terms of tanks initially dated. Back to the Soviet era.
Even less advanced versions of the Leopard 2 contain modern optical surveillance devices, including thermal imaging functionality, allowing these tanks to effectively engage in battles day and night. In addition, laser range equipment increases your crew’s accuracy in detecting, chasing and destroying targets. Despite the weight of this German-made tank, which its manufacturers say is around 55 tons, it was designed to allow it to move flexibly and reach a top speed of around 70 kilometers per hour. (more than 70km/h). According to experts who spoke to the American newspaper “Washington Post”, the design of the Leopard 2 offers more protection to the crew. For example, the ammunition storage area was chosen so that it was away from the tank’s operating location. Experts say this protects the crew from devastating explosions caused by accidental munitions or an external attack target such as Russian T-72 tanks.
Furthermore, these tanks are powered by diesel engines, which makes it easier for Ukrainians to recharge them and also gives them the ability to travel around 210 miles (over 335 km) before they need to. for fresh fuel.
The ammunition used to load the Leopard 2 120 mm guns is the same as that used by the North Atlantic Treaty Organization (NATO). Military experts say the Leopard 2’s only competitor in terms of major battle tank models is the US-made M1 Abrams, which entered service in 1980.