The capture of a Leopard 2 tank marks a significant achievement for Russia.
According to reports from various media outlets including Observer Net, there have been new developments concerning the Leopard 2 tank on the Russian front lines. Previously, four vehicles of the M1A1 series from the United States had been destroyed. As for the number of Leopard 2 tanks destroyed, it’s difficult to tally at present.
The most crucial point now is the capture of a Leopard 2 tank, with all its facilities and vehicle structure intact and fully functional. If this tank could be brought to Russian military camps, or even to the rear areas of Russia, it would arguably be Russia’s greatest gain since the conflict with Ukraine began. The next step would be to capture an M1A1.
The Leopard 2A6 is a symbol of Western main battle tanks, representing the pinnacle of ground armored confrontation in the “Cold War” competition. While the M1 series is not deployed in large numbers in Europe, the Leopard 2 tank stands out as a formidable force in European deployments. Thus, it has encountered and competed with various main battle tanks such as the Russian T-72, T-80, T-90, and T-64.
However, the specifics of the Leopard 2 tank, particularly those worth attention, are highly secretive in Germany, making it difficult to discern its core characteristics. Despite the numerous models, from the Leopard 2A4 to the Leopard 2A7, it’s been an incremental process. Moreover, there has been keen interest in its 120mm smoothbore gun, which embodies distinct German characteristics. Until now, these features were only speculated upon through photographs and models.
Now, Russia no longer needs to speculate as they have captured a new Leopard 2 tank. If this Leopard 2A6, with its armor strength, ballistic resistance, gun capabilities, and ammunition, is thoroughly understood by Russia, it could significantly affect Russia’s confrontation with Western weapon systems. Moreover, Russia is unlikely to keep this knowledge to itself. Once they have thoroughly understood the Leopard 2A6, they will disseminate this information widely. Countries with strained relations with the Western world would likely benefit from Russia sharing the core secrets of the Leopard 2A6.
If the next capture is an M1A1, the quality of information shared by this individual would likely be even higher.
Currently, on the Russian-Ukrainian front lines, Western main weapon systems are losing their pedestal. Various new and unrivaled weapon systems have consistently shown absolute superiority over Russian and Soviet-style equipment in several localized conflicts. Tanks like the American M1, the British Challenger, the French Leclerc, and the Leopard 2 tank are claimed to possess significant advantages.
The conflict in Ukraine has exposed the true nature of these weapon systems. Mainly, the weapons and equipment sold by Russia and the Soviet Union to other countries were downgraded versions, often referred to as “monkey versions”. Essentially, what was exported depended on how much the buyer paid, but it was never equivalent to the main battle equipment of the Russian military.
In a recent engagement with the American M1A1, a T-72 tank hit the engine compartment, marking the first time since the Cold War that an M1 fell before a T-72. The M1 was formidable during the Gulf War, thanks to its 120mm smoothbore gun, which is also present in the Leopard 2 tank. However, when confronted with the 125mm gun of the T-72 sold by the Soviet Union to Iraq, the M1 retreated, causing significant losses to the T-72.
If the technology of the Leopard 2 can be thoroughly studied through the captured tank, it could play a significant role in Russia’s efforts to improve the T-14 Armata tank.
Looking at the substantial amount of war trophies, Russia has already collected a considerable amount. Most importantly, through dismantling and dissecting these weapons and equipment, they can gradually analyze and dissect the myths surrounding the Western land-based weapon systems that were previously perceived as invincible.
In the new battlefield conditions, main battle tanks no longer enjoy their former glory. If the details of Western tanks can be fully understood, through complete dismantling of the Challenger 2 tank, M1A1 and M1A2 series main battle tanks, along with the Leopard 2 tank, Russia can absorb all the essence of Western main battle weapon systems. This would be crucial in strengthening their own armored equipment and would play a significant role. Capturing this Leopard 2 tank is likely to earn this soldier much more in terms of rewards. (Du Wenlong)