(DEFENCE SECURITY ASIA) — Ukraine has reportedly lost around 40 of the 192 German-made Leopard tanks “donated” by European nations since the start of its military conflict with Russia.
This information, sourced from American media, is based on data from Ukraine’s Ministry of Defense.
“The Leopard tanks are highly effective, powerful, and well-armored but vulnerable to threats. Reports indicate that since the conflict with Russia began, Ukraine has lost about 40 Leopard tanks,” according to sources.
These tanks are not only susceptible to anti-tank missiles but also to drones, particularly FPV (First Person View) drones, widely deployed by both sides in the war.
However, Russian media and military sources claim that the number of destroyed German-made Leopard tanks is higher than the 40 reported by U.S. media.
Abandoned Leopard main battle tank and Bradley IFV in Zaphorizia region, southern Ukraine.
According to Russian military reports, Ukraine has lost more Leopard tanks in recent offensive operations, including in the Kursk region of Russia.
To mitigate these significant losses, Ukraine has begun equipping its Leopard tanks with additional defense systems to protect against drone attacks.
These added defense measures are estimated to cost about USD 20,000 (RM 87,000) per tank, putting additional strain on Ukraine’s financial resources.
As of October this year, Ukraine has reportedly received 192 Leopard tanks from various European countries, including both the older Leopard 1 and the more advanced Leopard 2 variants.
These Leopard tanks play a crucial role in Ukraine’s overall military strategy but also face high risks on the battlefield.
Reports suggest that the loss of Leopard tanks has impacted Ukraine’s combat capabilities, forcing Kyiv to adjust its overall military strategy, including scaling back some operations against Russia due to tank shortages.
Kereta kebal Leopard dan kereta perisai Bradley yang musnah di Zaphorizia, selatan Ukraine.
Meanwhile, Russian forces continue to target Ukrainian tanks and armored vehicles with anti-tank missiles and drones.
Of all the foreign-supplied tanks, Leopard tanks are the most numerous in Ukraine, outpacing supplies of American-made Abrams and British-made Challenger tanks.
Since last year, Germany and several other European countries have provided between 100 and 200 Leopard tanks to Ukraine, intended for the spring counteroffensive against Russian positions.
While Ukraine’s 2023 spring counteroffensive began promisingly, it encountered stronger-than-expected Russian resistance, as Russian forces adapted their tactics and strategy.
This shift has resulted in substantial losses of Ukrainian tanks supplied by donor nations, including Germany, other European countries, the U.S., and the U.K.
A captured Leopard 2A6 main battle tank.
Russian President Vladimir Putin has previously claimed to Russian war correspondents that Ukraine has lost over 160 foreign-supplied tanks.
Given that Leopard tanks are the most widely supplied to Ukraine, it is reasonable to conclude that many of the destroyed tanks were Leopards.
Regarding the American-made Abrams tanks, Russian sources report that of the 31 Abrams tanks supplied to Ukraine, more than five of the 70-ton tanks have been destroyed by Russian forces.
Following these losses, the U.S. has reportedly pulled its Abrams tanks from the Ukrainian battlefield, possibly to “preserve their reputation.”
In light of the losses suffered by Leopard tanks supplied by Germany and other European nations, Ukraine’s Deputy Foreign Minister Andii Melnyk has requested additional Leopard tanks, including the latest Leopard 2A6 variant, to bolster Kyiv’s capabilities. — DSA