According to the Ukrainian military, the Leopard tanks are very effective, but more are needed for large-scale offensive operations. Despite all the applauded reports about the transfer of the Leopard tanks to the Armed Forces of Ukraine, there are still not many of these tanks around. And so they stay on the defensive.
Swedish Stridsvagn 122, a version of the Leopard 2A5. Ukraine got 10 of these tanks. Image credit: 7th Army Training Command via Wikimedia (CC BY 2.0)
The Armed Forces of Ukraine actively use the Leopard 2 tanks provided by the allies for defence purposes, but more often as long-range artillery, AFP reports. This, of course, is not a normal role for a main battle tank. Usually, tanks are used for relatively close combat, and direct fire on enemy positions and equipment. Tanks are often used for assaults. Artillery functions are performed by self-propelled and towed howitzers and similar guns.
Of course, not all Western tanks in Ukraine are pushed to artillery duty. The role of Leopard 2 tanks depends on the position at the frontlines, the specifics of the battlefield, the unit and other factors.
For example, a military officer Ruslan from the 21st Mechanised Brigade Company told reporters that the Strv 122, a Swedish version of the Leopard 2A5 tank, is now being used to destroy infantry groups or ammunition depots – as they should be used during a counteroffensive.
The Leopard 2A6 of Ukraine fights off two Russian tanks:
Footage from early June. A Ukrainian Leopard 2A6 battling against two Russian tanks (presumed to be T-80BVM) at a distance of 1.5km.
The Leopard won, damaging one tank and forcing the other to retreat. pic.twitter.com/QVHdA3MqVt
— NOELREPORTS 🇪🇺 🇺🇦 (@NOELreports) September 9, 2023
However, in many places, Leopard 2 tanks are deployed along the frontline, away from the contact zone. That is, where they cannot be reached by the direct Russian fire. And then they act more like artillery guns than assault vehicles.
It’s a pity, but this way of using tanks now corresponds to the war reality in Ukraine – they are trying to create defensive lines that would block the progress of Russian forces, instead of advancing.
The defenders of Ukraine admit that Leopards are very effective at combat, but they also say that in order to carry out large-scale offensive operations, more of them are needed. The Leopard 2 tanks are definitely better than the Soviet ones that Ukraine used before. There just aren’t many of them.
Near Liman, Leopard tanks usually work in pairs – they arrive, fire about 15 shells at some Russian position and then retreat. Leopard tanks are also defending Avdiivka. However, the defenders of Ukraine are hoping that soon enough they can get more Leopards and other weapons and can roll into more offensive operations.
However, for now, they will try to preserve the tanks that they do have by keeping them away from the most dangerous positions.
Russian propaganda has showcased several destroyed Leopard 2 tanks in Ukraine. However, the truth of the matter is that these tanks protected their crews and for the most part performed their duties well.
Written by Povilas M.
Sources: Tsn.ua