Ukraine receives upgraded Leopard 2A4 tanks with Kontakt-1 ERA armor

According to a video published on the "Praise The Steph" Twitter account on July 1, 2023, Ukraine has received Leopard 2A4 Main Battle Tanks from its allies, fitted with Kontakt-1 ERA (Explosive Reactive Armor) mounted around the turret and hull sides. This new armor significantly reduces one of the Leopard 2A4's known weaknesses - its armor.
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Ukrainian Leopard 2A4 tank fitted with Kontakt-1 ERA Explosive Reactive Armor. (Picture source Screen Shot Twitter account Praise The Steph)

A few days ago, we did an interview with German soldiers on the weaknesses of the Leopard 2A4 tank compared to the 2A6 version, we were told that the Leopard 2A4 did not have sufficient effective armor to counter attacks from Russian tanks of the T-90 types or the last generation of the t-72.

Thanks to the addition of this shielding, we greatly reduce one of these weaknesses. Indeed equipped with this new ERA armor, the upgraded Leopard 2A4 is now able to withstand latest generation of HEAT projectiles fired by Russian tanks. Kontakt-1 ERA played a significant role in improving the survivability of armored vehicles by providing an additional layer of protection against anti-tank projectiles and missiles, particularly those utilizing shaped charge warheads.

Kontakt-1 ERA was developed by the Soviet Union in the 1970s and was widely used on various armored vehicles, including tanks like the T-72 and BMP-2 infantry fighting vehicles. It provided significant protection against anti-tank missiles and RPGs (Rocket-Propelled Grenades) commonly encountered on the modern battlefield.

The Kontakt-1 ERA was developed to enhance the protection of armored vehicles against anti-tank projectiles and missiles. It is designed to mitigate the effects of shaped charge warheads, which are commonly used in anti-tank weapons.

The Kontakt-1 ERA system consists of a series of rectangular metal plates attached to the exterior of the vehicle. Each plate contains a layer of high explosives sandwiched between two metal plates. When a shaped charge warhead impacts the ERA, the explosive layer detonates, which causes a shockwave to rapidly propel the metal plates forward. This counteraction disrupts the shaped charge jet, decreasing its effectiveness in penetrating the vehicle's main armor.

The key principle behind ERA is that it neutralizes the incoming threat before it can penetrate the primary armor of the vehicle. By detonating the explosive layer outside the main armor, the ERA effectively "defeats" the shaped charge jet, minimizing its ability to penetrate the tank.

The upgraded Leopard 2A4 is fitted with ERA armor mounted around the turret and the sides hull. (Picture source Screen Shot Twitter account Praise The Steph)

The Leopard 2A4 tank fitted with Kontakt-1 ERA armor consists of rectangular metal plates containing the explosive layer mounted to the exterior of the tank, around the turret and on the front part and the sides of the hull. The ERA plates are strategically positioned to provide additional protection to vulnerable areas, such as the front glacis plate, turret front, and side skirts.

The addition of Kontakt-1 ERA armor on Leopard 2A4 would significantly enhance the tank's protection against shaped charge warheads and anti-tank missiles. It would increase the tank's survivability on the battlefield by disrupting and reducing the effectiveness of incoming threats. At the same time, the Leopard 2A4 keeps its advanced fire control systems including a laser rangefinder, ballistic computer, and thermal imaging sights for day and night operations. The gunner's sight provides a stabilized view, allowing precise targeting on the move.

The Leopard 2A4 tank's main gun is equipped with a stabilization system that minimizes the effect of vehicle movement on firing accuracy. This allows the Leopard 2A4 to accurately engage targets while on the move. Additionally, the tank's fire control system enables the gunner to automatically track and engage moving targets. It has an effective firing range of up to 4,000 meters (4.35 miles) depending on the ammunition used. Its fire control system, in combination with the accurate main gun and stabilization, allows for high first-round hit probability.

The Leopard 2A4 tank incorporates advanced electronics and sensors to enhance situational awareness and battlefield coordination. These include day/night vision systems, laser warning receivers, and communication equipment.

German Leopard 2A4 MBT Main Battle Tank. (Picture source Army Recognition)