Jakarta, CNNIndonesia —
United States of America and German said to be sending M1 Abrams and Leopard 2 tanks to Ukraine to help ‘gang up’ Russia.
Ukraine has always wanted these two combat vehicles to be sent to their country. Because tanks represent the most powerful weapon of resistance given to Ukraine so far.
What is the main mission of the two tanks?
Leopard 2
The German-made Leopard 2 tank is touted as “the world’s leading battle tank”.
Collect CBC Newsfor almost half a century, the Leopard 2 has combined aspects of firepower, defense, speed and maneuverability that make the tank adaptable to various types of combat situations.
The 50 ton tank is believed to be capable of enabling Ukraine to launch an offensive against Russia to recapture areas occupied by Kremlin forces.
“In this type of conflict, it is impossible to carry out a large-scale offensive without a variety of armored fighting equipment and armored vehicles, and tanks are part of that,” said Yohan Michel, research analyst for defense and military affairs at the International Institute for Strategic Studies.
Michel said the delivery of the Leopard 2 could help equip Ukraine with the high caliber ammunition it needs to replace its dwindling Soviet-era stockpile.
The Leopard could also open new avenues for Western weapons supplies to be sent to Ukraine.
Meanwhile, Ralf Raths, director of the Panzer Museum in Munster, Germany, said the use of the Leopard 2 and similar tanks could give Ukraine an advantage, especially when considering the poor tactical performance of Russian troops during the war.
“Ukraine shines through creative, dynamic and often very clean warfare,” said Raths.
“It could be that if Ukraine’s offensive operations start, Russia will have real problems to counter it.”
According to Raths, the Leopard 2 is “an offensive weapon that will be deployed into high-intensity combat.”
“Vehicles will be destroyed and people will die from these tanks,” he said.
The Leopard 2 itself has a top speed of around 68 kilometers per hour. The combat vehicle has a main weapon, namely smoothbore gun 120 mm and has fire control full-digital.
Continue reading on the next page…
