Captured by Russians Leopard 2A6 tank raises operational questions

Bulgarian Military.com carries an article about the tank, supplied by Germany and captured by the Russians, Caliber.Az reprints the article.

On March 10, Russian sources released a photo showing a Russian soldier standing next to a fully operational Leopard 2A6 tank. The claim was that the tank, supplied by Germany, had been captured by the Russians. BulgarianMilitary.com waited two days for the confirmation or denial of the photo’s authenticity. 

Such confirmation has indeed arrived. Some Ukrainian resources have acknowledged the loss. The German publication, Bild, also confirmed the loss. According to Bild, the photo is authentic and complete: of the 18 Leopard 2A6 tanks delivered by Germany to Ukraine, this is the first proven instance of a tank being captured by the Russians since the deliveries began. 

The Leopard 2A6 is one of the latest versions of the renowned German tank. Germany is currently developing the next two iterations – the Leopard 2A7, which has its customers mainly in the Hungarian army, and the Leopard 2A8, which remains somewhat of a mystery. However, Italy has expressed a strong desire to acquire hundreds of these units. Germany also plans to include the 2A8 version in its own army.

According to Russian resources, the captured Leopard 2A6 is fully operational. The photo displays damage to the rear right part of the tank’s chassis. The extent of the damage, however, appears to be minor. The tank features side hatches, but the so-called cage atop the dome is notably absent. The grills on the side of the turret are designed to deflect some of the explosive force of an incoming anti-tank missile. 

These sources assert that the tank was seized while fighting near Avdiivka. According to Russian reports, the tank was ambushed by a small Russian platoon, an action that compelled the Ukrainian tank crew to abandon their vehicle. 

As reported by the German publication Bild, the German Ministry of Defense is deeply invested in monitoring the status of the Leopard tanks they delivered to Ukraine. German journalists claim that a significant portion of the total 18 tanks shipped to Ukraine required frequent repairs at specialized bases. Lithuania is indicated as the closest country capable of repairing the damaged Leopards in Ukraine.

The Russians vs. Leopard 2A6

Despite their training, Russian tank crews might find the German Leopard 2A6 a complex machine and thus a serious challenge. Several factors might prevent seamless utilization of the Leopard 2A6. The first concern is the understanding of the tank’s control systems. Like most contemporary tanks, the Leopard 2A6 is a highly computerized machine. Its complex interface may pose difficulties without appropriate training. 

Secondly, the Leopard 2A6 uses various specialized ammunition types such as the DM63 APFSDS and the DM12 multi-purpose anti-tank round. These are not standard in the Russian military and, consequently, without the right ammunition, the tank’s main gun would be rendered ineffective. Furthermore, the Leopard 2A6 is equipped with advanced communication and navigation systems that may not be compatible with Russian systems. 

Lastly, a critical issue to consider is maintenance. The Leopard 2A6 demands specialized tools and parts for repairs and upkeep, which the Russian military might not have access to. Without the capability to maintain the tank properly, its service life could be significantly reduced.

The role of Uralvagonzavod

The crucial role of the largest tank manufacturer, Uralvagonzavod, cannot be overemphasized in this situation. The captured tank has been well-preserved in the condition in which it was initially received by the Ukrainian armed forces. In other words, it’s an impeccable specimen for research by Russian tank engineers. 

These engineers will be able to glean insights about the Leopard 2A6’s composite armor. This armor offers superior protection against anti-tank weaponry. Additionally, they will scrutinize the tank’s 120 mm smoothbore gun, which possesses the capability to fire a range of ammunition varieties. Notably, the tank’s advanced fire control system will also be examined, given its function of allowing for exact targeting across different conditions. 

The investigation will also extend to the Leopard 2A6’s propulsion and suspension system. These components contribute to the tank’s remarkable mobility. Furthermore, the tank’s electronic systems, encompassing communication, navigation, and sensor systems, will be explored by the engineers.

Better understanding

By studying the Leopard 2A6, engineers can gain a better grasp of the tank’s strengths and weaknesses. This knowledge could potentially be harnessed to develop countermeasures or enhance the design of future Russian tanks. 

However, it’s pivotal to underscore that simply having access to the Leopard 2A6 doesn’t inherently unveil all its secrets. Much of the tank’s effectiveness is attributed to its advanced training methods and tactics, which wouldn’t be immediately apparent from the tank itself. 

Moreover, the Leopard 2A6 is continuously being upgraded and improved, so the version that lands in the workshops of Uralvagonzavod might not represent the state of the art. Nevertheless, the opportunity to study such a high-quality tank would indubitably offer invaluable insights.