According to an updated list published by the German Ministry of Defense on March 30, 2023, Germany confirms the delivery to Ukraine of 18 Leopard 2A6 Main Battle Tanks, 40 Marder tracked armored IFVs (Infantry Fighting Vehicles), 2 Bergepanzer 3 tracked armored recovery vehicles, two Wisent 1 mine-clearing tanks, and 3 Dachs tracked armored engineer vehicles.
Follow Army Recognition on Google News at this link
Germany has delivered to Ukraine 18 Leopard 2A6 Main Battle Tanks, 40 Marder tracked armored IFVs (Infantry Fighting Vehicles), 2 Bergepanzer 3 tracked armored recovery vehicles, two Wisent 1 mine-clearing tanks, and 3 Dachs tracked armored engineer vehicles. (Picture source Wikimedia)
On January 25, 2023, Germany agreed to the initial delivery of 14 Leopard 2 Main Battle Tanks (MBTs), and more specifically the 2A6 version which is considered as one of the most powerful MBTs in the world. On March 9, 2023, Army Recognition editorial team reported that Germany confirmed the supply of 18 Leopard 2A6 Main Battle Tanks (MBTs) to Ukraine.
On January 5, 2023, following a discussion between U.S. President Joe Biden and German Chancellor Olaf Scholz, it was revealed that the United States plans to supply Ukraine with Bradley infantry fighting vehicles, while Germany intends to provide Marder armored vehicles.
Later, on March 20, 2023, Germany's Minister of Defense, Boris Pistorius, confirmed that the German Marder infantry fighting vehicles (IFV) pledged to Ukraine in January are currently en route to their destination.
Leopard 2A6 Main Battle Tanks (Picture source Wikimedia)
In this article, we will describe all the new military vehicles that Germany has delivered to Ukraine.
Leopard 2A6 (18):
The Leopard 2A6 is a highly capable main battle tank developed by Germany, featuring advanced firepower, mobility, and protection systems. Its 120mm smoothbore gun offers superior accuracy and penetration, while the powerful engine ensures excellent maneuverability and speed. The tank also has state-of-the-art composite armor, providing a high level of protection against various threats on the battlefield. Overall, the Leopard 2A6 is a formidable force in modern armored warfare.
The Leopard 2A6 main battle tank is equipped with a powerful and accurate armament system. Its primary weapon is a Rheinmetall 120mm L/55 smoothbore gun, which offers increased range, accuracy, and penetration capabilities compared to its predecessor, the L/44 gun found on the Leopard 2A5. The L/55 gun can fire various types of ammunition, including armor-piercing fin-stabilized discarding sabot (APFSDS), high-explosive anti-tank (HEAT), and multipurpose high-explosive (MP-HE) rounds.
In addition to the main gun, the Leopard 2A6 features a secondary armament consisting of two machine guns. One is a 7.62mm MG3A1 coaxial machine gun mounted alongside the main gun, and the other is a 7.62mm MG3A1 anti-aircraft machine gun mounted on the commander's hatch. These machine guns provide the tank with additional firepower against infantry, light vehicles, and low-flying aircraft.
Marder 1A3 tracked armored Infantry Fighting Vehicle IFV. (Picture source Wikimedia)
Marder 1A3 (40):
The Marder 1A3 is a German infantry fighting vehicle (IFV) that boasts a balance of firepower, mobility, and protection. Its primary armament consists of a 20mm Rheinmetall MK 20 Rh 202 autocannon, which provides effective engagement against infantry, light vehicles, and low-flying aircraft. In addition, the Marder 1A3 is equipped with a 7.62mm MG3 machine gun as a secondary weapon.
The vehicle's mobility is facilitated by a powerful diesel engine, enabling it to traverse various terrains and maintain a good speed. The Marder 1A3 also features enhanced armor protection compared to earlier versions, providing increased survivability for the crew and passengers against small arms fire, shell splinters, and anti-tank mines. Overall, the Marder 1A3 offers a versatile and capable platform for modern infantry support and combat operations
Bergpanzer 3 Büffel ARV Armored Recovery Vehicle based on the Leopard 2 tank chassis. (Picture source Wikimedia)
Bergpanzer 3 also nicknamed Büffel (2):
The Bergepanzer 3, also known as Büffel (Buffalo), is a German armored recovery vehicle (ARV) designed to provide efficient battlefield support in terms of repair, recovery, and maintenance. The ARV is based on the chassis of the Leopard 2 main battle tank. By using the same chassis, the Bergepanzer 3 benefits from the Leopard 2's proven mobility and power, making it well-suited for its role in repair, recovery, and maintenance operations on the battlefield.
Equipped with a powerful engine, the Bergepanzer 3 ensures high mobility and can easily traverse diverse terrains. The vehicle features a crane with a lifting capacity of up to 30 tons, as well as a winch system capable of pulling disabled armored vehicles. Additionally, the Bergepanzer 3 offers a reasonable level of armor protection to safeguard its crew during recovery missions. Overall, the Bergepanzer 3 is a valuable asset for modern armies, ensuring smooth and effective recovery and repair operations in various combat scenarios.
Wisent 1 mine clearing vehicle based on Leopard 1 tank chassis. (Picture source Wikimedia)
Wisent 1 mine clearing tank (2):
The Wisent 1 is an armored recovery vehicle (ARV) and an armored engineer vehicle (AEV) built on the Leopard 1 tank chassis. Developed by the German company Flensburger Fahrzeugbau Gesellschaft (FFG), the Wisent 1 is a versatile platform that can be equipped with various modules for different tasks, including mine-clearing operations.
When configured for mine clearing, the Wisent 1 can be fitted with mine plows or mine rollers to safely remove or detonate mines in its path. These attachments help create safe routes for other vehicles and troops to traverse. In addition, the Wisent 1 can be equipped with other engineering equipment, such as a dozer blade, an excavator arm, or a crane, to perform various tasks like earthmoving or obstacle removal.
Dachs tracked armored engineer vehicle based on the Leopard 2 tank chassis. (Picture source Wikimedia)
Dachs tracked armored engineer vehicle (3):
Dachs Engineering Vehicle, also known as the "Badger" in English, is a highly specialized mobile excavator developed by Germany's Rheinmetall Defence Electronics for military engineering applications. It is designed to provide support to combat troops by creating obstacles, digging trenches, and clearing mines and obstacles in the battlefield.
The Dachs Engineering Vehicle is based on the Leopard 2 tank chassis and is equipped with a hydraulically operated arm and a variety of tools and attachments such as a bucket, dozer blade, mine plow, and mine roller. It can also be equipped with an armored cab to protect the crew from small arms fire and artillery shrapnel.
The Dachs is powered by a 1,500 horsepower MTU diesel engine and has a top speed of 70 km/h (43 mph). It is operated by a crew of four and can be transported by rail, road, or air to any location in the world.
