According to pictures published on Social Networks on February 3, 2023, the German company FFG (Flensburger Farhzeugbau Gesellschaft) unveiled the facilities where is stored the Danish Leopard 1A5 Main Battle Tanks that will be donated to Ukraine. FFG will have 20 Leopard 1A5 tanks repaired and ready to ship to Ukraine within three months and another 20 tanks in six months.
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Danish Leopard 1A5 Main Battle Tanks at the facility of German company FFG. (Picture source VK Social Network)
On February 1, 2023, the Army Recognition editorial team reported that Denmark planned to purchase 20 decommissioned Leopard 1A5 Main Battle Tanks (MBTs) that are stored in the German company FFG. These 1A5 Leopard tanks will undergo repair and be delivered to Ukraine.
Currently, the German company FFG has a stock of 100 Leopard 1A5 that was purchased in 2010 from the Danish government. Denmark ordered 120 German-made Leopard 1A3s in June 1974, the first of which were delivered in March 1976 and the last in November 1978. Denmark modernized the Leopard 1A3 to the 1A5 configuration and named Leopard 1A5DK
Citing information from Thorsten Pieter, sales director of Flensburger Farhzeugbau Gesellschaft, during the latest inspection of existing Leopard 1A5 MBTs, some tanks could be prepared quickly while others needed more time.
The Leopard 1A5 is an upgraded variant to the original Leopard 1 tank, developed by the German company Krauss-Maffei Wegmann. The upgrade includes improved armor protection, a new fire control system, and the integration of additional communication and navigation equipment.
The Leopard 1A5 DK is a version of the Leopard 1A5 tank that has been specifically designed for the Danish army. It features modifications and upgrades tailored to meet the specific requirements of the Danish military, such as improved armor protection, enhanced mobility, and advanced fire control systems. The Leopard 1A5 DK is also equipped with a number of advanced electronic systems, including communications equipment, navigation systems, and target acquisition devices.
The layout of Leopard 1A5DK is similar to the German version but the turret has a new layout and is fitted with a new storage box located at the rear of the turret. The Danish version of the Leopard 1A5 tank is fitted with dozer attachment channels on the lower front hull and thus can be fitted with a dozer blade from Krauss-Maffei-Wegmann. It can be attached or removed in approx. 10 minutes and can be locked in the raised position for traveling.
The Leopard 1a5 DK is armed with one 105 mm gun (L7A3 by Royal Ordnance in Nottingham) and two 7.62 mm machine guns. The tank carries a total of 55 rounds with 13 in the turret and 42 in the hull. A bank of four smoke grenade dischargers is mounted on each side of the turret. It has a crew of four including a driver, commander, gunner, and loader.
The Leopard 1A5 tank is powered by a V10-cylinder MTU MB 838 Ca M500 diesel engine, which delivers a power output of 830 hp at 2,200 rpm. This engine provides the Leopard 1A5 with excellent acceleration, speed, and mobility, making it well-suited for fast-paced armored operations on the battlefield. The tank can run at a maximum road speed of 65 km/h with a maximum cruising range of 600 km. The engine is also known for its reliability and low maintenance requirements, which helps to reduce downtime and improve the overall efficiency of the tank.
Danish Army Leopard 1A5DK Main Battle Tank. (Picture source screenshot Youtube video)
