Ukrainian innovation: Transforming the Bergepanzer 2 for modern warfare
Ukrainian engineers have reinforced the German armoured recovery vehicle, the Bergepanzer 2, by adding Kontakt-1 ERA blocks and electronic warfare systems. What kind of vehicle is this, and how are the Ukrainians utilizing it?
Ukrainian engineers have significantly upgraded the Bergepanzer 2, which is used for evacuating and repairing military equipment. The vehicle has been equipped with reactive armour blocks, Kontakt-1, electronic warfare systems, and additional shielding. Photos of the upgraded vehicle were published by the "Zapisky mazuty" channel on Telegram (they can be seen above).
The Ukrainians "improved" the German Bergepanzer 2
The Bergepanzer 2, based on the Leopard 1 tank, was handed over to Ukraine by Germany as part of military aid. Despite its solid technical equipment, its protection was inadequate given modern battlefield threats. Therefore, a massive set of reactive armour blocks was added, almost completely covering the sides, rear, and front of the vehicle.
Thanks to the photos, it's possible to estimate that typical "66-2" containers from the Soviet "Kontakt-1" system, each weighing 5 kg, have been mounted on the vehicle. Each container contains two plates of dynamic armour elements 4S20 or an alternative product, such as EDS "Nóż," reports the Ukrainian military service Militarny. As noted, if the left side of the vehicle has an equal number of blocks, the weight of the set is 3 tonnes.
Additional shielding on the roof and electronic warfare systems increase the vehicle's weight. The basic version of the Bergepanzer 2 weighs 40,000 kg, and the Leopard 1 chassis is adapted to a weight of over 42,000 kg, making the additional weight acceptable.
The main task of the Bergepanzer 2 is to support armoured units, evacuate damaged equipment from the battlefield, repair machines, and assist in the assembly and disassembly of engines and turrets. The vehicle can carry a spare tank engine on the rear hull. The crew consists of four people: a driver, a commander, a gunner, and a radio operator.
Similar modifications are used in Leopard 1 tanks, which are also equipped with dynamic armour "Kontakt-1" and "Nóż" as well as anti-drone nets. This equipment proved itself in battle when the upgraded Leopard 1A5 withstood a series of ten hits from Russian FPV drones with anti-tank warheads.
