Ukraine's makeshift armour boosts Leopards' resilience in battle
German experts express concern about the improvised nature of reinforcing Leopard 2 tanks in Ukraine. Ukrainians respond decisively, explaining their rationale.
German observers on the portal Hartpunkt have highlighted reports on the use of makeshift protective measures such as grids and Kontakt-1 blocks on Leopard 2 and Leopard 1A5 tanks in the Ukrainian military. Similar solutions are also employed on other tanks within both the Ukrainian and Russian armed forces.
In response to criticism, Ukrainians on the portal Defense Express assert that war rigorously tests the effectiveness of military equipment, including Leopard 1A5 tanks. Although their armour is somewhat deceptive, Ukrainian modifications, such as reactive armour blocks, enhance their resistance to FPV drone attacks.
functionality and effectiveness of reactive armor blocks on leopards
The Kontakt-1 reactive armour blocks are a straightforward solution from the 1980s. They consist of two steel plates with about 0.57 pounds of explosive material in between. This explosive is detonated upon impact by a shaped-charge jet, dispersing it with a shock wave and fragments, significantly reducing penetration capabilities.
However, Leopard 1's armour is at the limit of safely using Kontakt-1 blocks, as the armour beneath must withstand the explosion's force. With thinner armor, like that of Russian BMP-2s, the crew inside could be at risk.
For instance, the popular PG-7VL grenades used by drones can penetrate up to 19.7 inches of steel armour. The 2.8 inches of armour on the Leopard 1 offers no protection against them. These modifications allow Leopard 1A5 tanks to withstand up to 12 hits, an impressive feat that maintains their relevance on the Ukrainian battlefield despite their 1960s design.
The improvisation of Ukrainians — necessity in the absence of alternatives
While Ukrainians do not entirely discount the German criticism that improvised armour reinforcement can affect the so-called iron triangle—a balance of mobility, armour, and firepower—they argue their case. The added weight impacts mobility and the suspension's lifespan, while extra armour can reduce crew awareness by limiting their field of view.
Moreover, Ukrainians make these modifications out of necessity, as the Germans do not offer them an alternative. Besides these adjustments, Ukrainians lack viable short-term options. An ideal solution could include supplying the Trophy active protection system known from Israeli Merkava tanks or the latest Leopard 2A8s, though Ukraine cannot currently expect such support.
