The fact that Ukraine can receive up to 50 German Leopard 1 tanks
April 12, 2022 13:35 GMT+7
Handelsblatt reported that the Armed Forces of Ukraine could receive 50 German main battle tanks, the Leopard 1.
However, according to this publication it is essential that these shipments be approved by the German government. After that, it will take 6 weeks for the first combat vehicles to appear under the takeover of the Armed Forces of Ukraine.
According to military experts, Leopard 1 tanks are considered obsolete, for example, they were removed from the German army 12 years ago. Before that, Leopard 1 served for 45 years.
At the same time, Leopard 1 has always been criticized for its relatively weak protection. Initially, the maximum thickness of armor at the front of the hull did not exceed 70 mm, 60 mm turret, 35 mm sides, 10 mm stern.
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| The Leopard 1 is a main battle tank designed and manufactured in Germany. (Image: Wikimedia) |
After that, the protective armor was enhanced, but was never able to bring it to the required level. Therefore, now these tanks are very vulnerable even to conventional anti-tank missiles.
According to the manufacturer, the latest versions have received a fairly modern fire control system, but the 105 mm cannon has limited capabilities against modern tanks.
Engine capacity of 830 horsepower, maximum speed is 64 km / h. 500 km operating range, with a crew of 4.
The Leopard 1 tank was introduced in 1965. By the end of mass production in 1984, more than 4,700 tanks had been produced and operated in the militaries of 16 countries. Today, modified versions of the first Leopards are still in service in six countries, with a total of about 1,500 tanks still in service.
Previously, the Ukrainian government repeatedly asked its Western allies to provide tanks and heavy weapons to deal with the Russian military campaign.
On April 11, German Foreign Minister Annalena Baerbock hinted that Berlin would heed Kiev’s call. However, German Economy Minister Robert Habeck refused to say whether the German government would allow the shipment of tanks to Ukraine.
“We have agreed not to disclose the specifics of the shipments, the type of weapons or the route of delivery,” Habeck said.
However, Habeck also said that there may be more arms deliveries to Ukraine because Germany has pledged to provide weapons to Kiev.
Peace (translation summary)
at Blogtuan.info – Source: infonet.vietnamnet.vn – Read the original article here
