According to a statement from the Russian Ministry of Defense on social media, military personnel from the Ural Military District, currently deployed within the Western Forces Group in the Ukrainian theater, were rewarded with a check of 500,000 rubles ( 3000€) for destroying a Leopard 2 tank. 500,000 rubles amount to a bonus of 3,000 euros, which, compared to a country where the average monthly salary is 3,000 rubles, makes the bonus very significant.
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video capture of ceremony for granting russian soldiers who destroy leopard 2 (Picture source video capture/ Russain MoD)
The Leopard 2 is presented as the best main battle tank currently on the market; it equips the Ukrainian forces through donations from several Western nations, including Germany, Poland, Spain, etc. This tank is also a major target for Russian forces, equipped with composite armor and additional armor kits, and significant firepower through its L/55 120mm cannon. This particular cannon was developed with Soviet armor specifications in mind, making it especially effective against Russian tanks.
Therefore, the Leopard 2 tank is designed to oppose and destroy Russian tanks, which justifies the Russian fear of this vehicle. The importance of this vehicle means that its destruction is a priority for Russian commands, and therefore, the teams receive a significant bonus.
According to German Green Party deputy Sebastian Schäfer, many Leopard tanks are now out of service in Ukraine, with destruction being far from the primary cause. Shortages of spare parts (worn parts or mechanical) and somewhat amateurist repair attempts by Ukrainian forces are the main reasons. According to the ORYX website, which tracks vehicle destruction during recent wars, 29 Leopard 2 tanks (series 2A and 2A4) have been destroyed, maybe more, as many destroyed vehicles are not identified. Out of the 61 tanks confirmed as delivered, half are out of service, and a significant portion of those remaining seem to be unfit for combat, although the definitive number of these tanks placed in reserve remains unknown.
At present, few battle tanks are deployed in movement dynamics by Ukrainian forces. Available videos from OSINT and on social networks show that these vehicles are no longer able to fight, and in their absence, artillery is used. However, the Leopard 2 supported the Ukrainian counteroffensive in the summer of 2023. During this resumption of maneuver warfare, the Leopard 2 successfully broke through Russian lines but suffered numerous losses. Today, FPV drones represent the primary danger to tanks deployed in Ukraine.
In comparing the financial aspects of the Leopard 2A6 tank and the incentives provided by Russia for its destruction, several points stand out. The Leopard 2A6 tank, a main battle tank used by several NATO countries, is priced at $8.42 million based on 2022 figures. This high cost reflects the advanced technology and capabilities embedded within the tank, including its firepower, armor, and mobility, which are crucial for modern warfare scenarios.
On the other hand, Russia offers a €3,000 bonus to soldiers who successfully destroy a Leopard 2 tank in Ukraine. This bonus is a strategic move to motivate soldiers and potentially disrupt the supply and operational capabilities of opposing forces using the tank. The bonus amount, however, is starkly low when compared to the cost of the tank itself. This vast discrepancy highlights the economic asymmetry in warfare tactics—where the incentive to destroy high-value equipment is relatively minimal compared to the equipment's value.
Defense News April 2024
