Ukrainian tank brigade showcases upgraded Leopard 1A5 advantages

The Ukrainian Armed Forces showcased their modernizations of German Leopard 1A5 tanks to adapt to the constantly changing conditions on the front lines. Meanwhile, soldiers from their 5th Independent Tank Brigade highlighted the main advantages of these machines, identifying two key elements.

The war in Ukraine has demonstrated the necessity of continuously improving combat machines. Ukrainians and Russians are adopting this approach, with the latter repeatedly proving their ability to respond to dynamic battle conditions. One of the latest innovations on the front was using drones equipped with canisters of flammable materials – including thermite. This combination has transformed small unmanned aerial vehicles into flying flamethrowers, literally "dousing" the enemy with flames from the air.

The Ukrainian portal Defense Express reported that tanks are also being modernized, citing materials published by soldiers of the 5th Independent Tank Brigade of the Armed Forces of Ukraine. Military photos show that Ukrainians upgraded basic Leopard 1s to the Leopard 1A5V version, which increased the vehicles' overall effectiveness during the conflict.

A key enhancement involves strengthening the armour. This was achieved, among other things, by using protective shields. These primarily guard against the increasingly common threat of drones on the front. Special protective nets are also used against unmanned aerial vehicles, "intercepting" drones as they approach the tank.

Also significant is the presence of reactive armour, which is found at the front part of the tank (including the lower part), on the turret, and on the sides. The Ukrainian-modernized Leopards also have reinforcements in the area connecting the turret to the hull.

Besides the enhancements to the German machines' defensive capabilities, Ukrainians also emphasize two main advantages of the Leopards. First and foremost is the fire control system with a sighting device that allows for attacking even at night and striking enemy units at a distance of 4 km. This is due to the presence of the EMES-18 system in the Leopard 1A5s, an upgrade from the EMES-15 in the Leopard 2A4. Importantly, regarding targeting accuracy, as noted by Defense Express, the 105 mm calibre shells used by this tank are sufficient to destroy Russian T-72, T-80, or T-90 tanks during frontal assaults.

The Ukrainians also highlight the mobility of German vehicles. They point out that the Leopards achieve high speeds in reverse and can quickly accelerate when moving forward. This advantage is valuable as it allows the crew to react swiftly during demanding situations. The Leopard 1A5 can accelerate up to 65 km/h (on the road), thanks to its 10-cylinder MTU MB 838 Ca-M 500 engine, which generates power at a level of 830 hp.