How Russian FPV Drones Destroy Modern Leopard 2A6 Main Battle Tanks in Ukraine.

In October 2024, the Russian Ministry of Defense claimed that its forces had destroyed six German Leopard 2 family tanks using FPV (First-Person View) drones over the past four months. These operations, conducted by the Southern Military District, are focused on the Kurakhove region, where drones are also targeting Bradley armored vehicles and Ukrainian communication centers.
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Ukrainian Leopard 2A6 Main Battle Tank destroyed by Russian forces (Picture source: Russian Social Media)

The Leopard tanks deployed in Ukraine represent some of the most advanced armored vehicles within NATO's arsenal, serving as a powerful tool in the Ukrainian defense and counter-offensive efforts. These tanks, primarily the Leopard 2A4 and 2A6 models, are equipped with formidable 120mm smoothbore guns and advanced composite armor, designed to withstand substantial battlefield threats. While the Leopard 2A4 is an older model, its balance of firepower and mobility has proven valuable in various combat scenarios. The Leopard 2A6, with its extended L/55 gun, offers greater range and penetration capabilities, enhancing its effectiveness against fortified positions and enemy armor. However, despite their robust design, the Leopard tanks face ongoing logistical and maintenance challenges in Ukraine, where continuous operation in combat conditions requires a steady supply of spare parts and technical support.

The use of FPV drones provides increased precision, enabling operators to strike specific targets in real-time while minimizing risks to troops. These drones have become a crucial element in the conflict, offering a tactical alternative to traditional combat methods. They allow for continuous surveillance, enabling instant strikes and adjustments based on developments on the ground. By targeting Leopard tanks, Russian forces aim to neutralize one of the most powerful assets in Ukraine’s arsenal. The Leopard is equipped with a 120mm L/55 gun and advanced composite armor, which Moscow sees as a significant threat.

To effectively attack a tank with FPV drones, Russian operators employ tactics that leverage the maneuverability and precision of these drones to target critical weak points. Typically, FPV drones are flown directly toward the tank’s most vulnerable areas, such as the optics, engine exhaust, or rear armor, which are generally less fortified than the front. One particular vulnerability of the Leopard 2A6 is its lack of anti-drone cages, a protective measure that many modern tanks now adopt to shield against aerial threats. Without these cages, the Leopard 2A6 becomes more susceptible to drone strikes on its less protected upper sections. By targeting these points, operators aim to either disable the tank’s operational capabilities or force its crew to abandon the vehicle.

FPV drones, equipped with small yet powerful explosives, often approach tanks at low altitudes to avoid detection and anti-drone defenses. Russian operators frequently coordinate FPV drone attacks with artillery strikes to create diversions, reducing the tank crew’s awareness and making the vehicle more susceptible to aerial assault. In close urban or forested environments, FPV drones can exploit confined spaces to approach a tank undetected, sometimes flying into open hatches or targeting tracks to immobilize it, preventing rapid escape or repositioning.

In some instances, drones are guided by spotters using surveillance UAVs to monitor the tank’s location and movements, allowing FPV drones to execute precise strikes. This combination of surveillance and FPV drones underscores a systematic approach to disabling high-value assets on the battlefield, significantly impacting the effectiveness of Ukrainian armor.

The Leopard 2, NATO’s primary battle tank, is regarded as one of the best globally. It was designed to confront and destroy Russian tanks, making it a strategic priority for Russian forces. However, many Leopard tanks in Ukraine are no longer operational due to both destruction and shortages of spare parts, as well as inadequate repairs. According to data compiled by ORYX, of the 61 Leopards delivered, nearly half are out of service, highlighting the logistical and technical challenges facing Ukrainian forces.

Videos available online show few tanks actively participating in current Ukrainian operations. Due to the constant threat of FPV drones, the Leopard 2 is not as frequently deployed as before. While it played a crucial role in the summer 2023 counter-offensive, during which several units broke through Russian lines, these tanks also suffered significant losses. Today, FPV drones represent a major threat to armored vehicles in Ukraine, pushing Ukrainian forces to rely more on artillery.

The financial cost of this equipment is another striking aspect of the conflict. A Leopard 2A6, estimated to cost around $8.42 million, is considerably more expensive than the €3,000 bonus Russia has offered for its destruction. Although relatively low in comparison, this incentive motivates Russian soldiers to destroy these costly tanks, amplifying the economic impact of these losses for Ukraine and its allies.

The Leopard 2A6 is a main battle tank designed in Germany, renowned for its advanced capabilities and used by multiple countries worldwide, including Austria, Canada, Denmark, Germany, Greece, Poland, and recently Ukraine. The tank is equipped with a powerful 120mm L55 smoothbore gun, complemented by a 7.62mm coaxial machine gun and a 7.62mm anti-aircraft machine gun mounted on the loader’s hatch. These features make it a formidable offensive platform in various engagements.

To protect the crew and internal systems, the Leopard 2A6 features standard multilayer spaced armor, with enhanced protection on the front of the turret. Additionally, the turret’s interior is fitted with spall liners, reducing crew risks in case of armor penetration. Weighing approximately 62 tons in combat conditions, this tank boasts impressive mobility, with a top speed of 72 km/h on roads. Its range of up to 500 km before refueling allows it to sustain prolonged operations.

The tank is operated by a crew of four, optimized for managing its various systems and maximizing combat effectiveness. In terms of dimensions, the Leopard 2A6 measures 7.70 meters in length, 3.70 meters in width, and 3.00 meters in height, combining firepower, protection, and mobility in a relatively compact format for its class. Finally, the Leopard 2A6 includes advanced technologies, such as infrared night vision and an NBC (Nuclear, Biological, Chemical) protection system, enhancing its capability to operate in hostile environments.

A few weeks ago, a German-made Leopard 2A6 tank, captured in Ukraine by Russian forces, arrived at Uralvagonzavod in Nizhny Tagil. Engineers at the factory plan to study this captured vehicle thoroughly. According to an official statement from the group, the 60-ton tank has been placed on special jacks, and the team has begun dismantling its components and systems. Specialists aim to evaluate the technical and military capabilities of the Leopard 2A6. Russian tank developers are particularly interested in the fire control system, the gun stabilizer (E-WNA system), the thermal imaging equipment, and the improved braking system. It is also known that the Leopard 2A6 received an upgraded turret rotation mechanism in 2001. Compared to earlier models, the turret’s rear part was significantly redesigned to provide additional storage space.