Leopard 1 v Leopard 2: How do the tanks bound for Ukraine compare?

Ukraine is to receive hundreds of tanks from Nato nations - including UK Challenger 2s - as part of their support for Kyiv's defence against Russian aggression.

The German-made Leopard 2 tank, widely regarded as the best of its kind in the world, is being sent to Ukraine.

Kyiv is also set to receive at least 100 veteran Leopard 1 tanks from Denmark, Germany and the Netherlands.

But what is the difference between Leopard 1 and Leopard 2 tanks being sent to Ukraine?

#forcesnews #ukraine #leopard2 #leopard1

[VitoDepho]

There's always a need for fire support. The Leopard 1's would free up the Leopard 2's, Abrams, Challengers, and T-72s for mainly anti-MBT duties and leading the counter-offensive. That 105mm gun is still a powerful weapon in many situations. They can fire into tree lines or buildings or those human wave attacks and can also destroy BMPs, BTRs and revived T-62s. Just have the Leo 1's overwatched by Bradleys or Javelin teams if necessary.

[fdk]

As long as they use it with caution it's better than no tanks at all I guess.

[ThisFinalHandle]

Someone took German engineering seriously when parking those leopard 1's.

[michaelsimarmata]

Leo 1: Finally, after 60 years, I can do what I was built to do

[idawulan]

Leopard 1 is still a fantastic tank. Its range, optics, thermals and accuratecy should be better then all T55.T62 T64T72 T80 and even some T90A. India tried the t90m in field trials and stuggled to hit targets at 2km away so Russian tanks cant be that good, there always made crudely mass produced at a cheap price. That leopard 1 will be bulletproof from all 14.5 AP rounds and 30mm from the front ( if its 2km away and not short distance) its enough armour for most things. Its speed torque and acceleration is nearly the best of all tanks and the 105mm L7 can punch through 460mm at 2km with the best rounds, thats enough to take out nearly all russian tanks, even a T90 has weak spots making it suicide to drive straight into a 460mm pen Cannon sniping from a hill hoping you can deflect every single shot. The Leo 1 has the same fire control system from the early Leo 2 and layout it would in theory be equal to a CV90 with 105mm in most respects with regard to speed armour and firepower. I would use the Leo 1 to hold ground after you have captured it or as big 2nd tank force that comes up behind the main Leo 2 tank force and flanks for them or finishes off any retreating forces after the main force has pushed past first. They also would be perfect on the Belarus border or from any hill where they can shoot at max range 4km direct and 8km in indirect mode.

[davidbook]

Having worked with both Leopard 1 & 2 variants . Don’t for 1 second doubt the lethal capabilities of Leopard 1, especially in the hands of an experienced crew. Tanks support infantry and they would form a excellent mechanized combat team coupled with Marder, M-113 or BMP 1 or 2 . Far superior to what the Russians are using, scraping the bottom of the barrel with T54/T55, T62 BTR 60

[BS-myqx]

Leopard 1A5 still a great tank. Served in the german “Panzertruppe“ among the Leopard 2A4.

A Leopard 2A6/A7 is definetely another level.

[miikapekk]

Even if the leopard 1 isn't that good they could still be used to guard north Western Ukriane while freeing up more capable tanks for the frontlines.

[cobralord]

With some modern adjustments to the tank, I don’t see why it won’t do well on the battlefield, most of Russia’s tanks are Cold War era to. They may not be the best but they are in high numbers and will be good at swarming the enemy.

[MkMale]

Why send the Leopard 1? Because, it's better than sending nothing.

[jplater]

Every tank has it’s specifics and will make a difference if it is used wisely.

[thegoldeneagle]

It’s not the tank but how it is used if use it right with a good support (maintenance etc) you can play any tank to its advantage something Russia has struggled with

[TTTT-oceb]

It also carry more ammo than a Leo 2. It could be very usefull firing HE in a direct mode.

[mikewinston]

Leopard 1 in an infantry support role will be first class….

[joshuajgrillot]

The Leo 1s will still be a very lethal weapons system when you combine them with the Bradlys and Marders as a mechanized infantry force.

[garyjones]

The Leopard1 armor is only designed to stop 20mm rounds, so even the frontal armor can be easily penetrated by Russian 120mm guns even at long ranges. Also, unless a reactive armor overlay is added, the low tech steel hull on the Leopard1 can't stop RPG rounds. In contrast, the Leopard2's composite armor is designed to stop both RPGs and 120mm rounds. So there is a huge difference in survivability.

[Bob]

Most of Ukraine’s tanks are currently being used for indirect fire - basically as mobile artillery. The Leopard 1 will work just fine like that and could free up T72 and T84 tanks to join the newer western tanks in offensive operations.

[lwilton]

"Who could have thought? Leopard I tanks, built 60 years ago to fight the Russians, now being used to fight the Russians."

[innerlight]

The Leopard 1 can still be used liked the StuG in WWII. Infantry support and, with HE ammo, fortification buster.

[stewartmcintosh]

Well in my opinion is a good idea to have different sizes of Tanks because you do different jobs but they can go together as a group you got your dance you got your big heavy tanks you got your lightweight tanks you got your everything it's good to have a variation on the battlefield I am not an expert normally in a big tank group does normally support vehicles go with it all different sizes of Tanks carriers everything