Ukrainian Leopard 2 tanks face minimal losses during counter-offensive

According to an article by Forbes on August 28, 2023, Ukraine's Leopard 2 tank fleet suffered minimal losses during the ongoing counteroffensive operations in the southern and eastern regions. Within the fleet, only five Leopard 2 tanks have been confirmed as destroyed, and an additional 10 tanks have sustained damage but are deemed repairable.
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Ukraine's Leopard 2 tanks face minimal losses during the counteroffensive (Picture source: WM.Blood via Coupsure/Twitter)

Over the past 13 weeks, Ukraine's Leopard 2 tank fleet has faced limited setbacks despite challenging circumstances. Among the fleet, only five Leopard 2 tanks have been reported as permanently inoperable, while around 10 Leopard 2 tanks experienced varying degrees of damage. These damaged tanks are being transported to depots in Poland and Germany for necessary repairs. Once restored, they are planned to be reintroduced into active service along the front lines. The design robustness of the Leopard 2, which boasts a weight of 69 tons, has facilitated a cycle of damage and repair, enabling the tanks to be promptly restored to combat-ready condition after sustaining damage.

Based on information from Open Source Intelligence (OSINT) sources, it has been determined that Ukraine's Leopard 2 tank fleet experienced a total of five definitive losses. This includes two Leopard 2A4 and three Leopard 2A6. Additionally, the fleet encountered damage to 10 Leopard 2 tanks (four Leopard 2A4 and six Leopard 2A6), with three Leopard 2A6 reported as both damaged and abandoned on the field.

On August 29, 2023, Lieutenant Colonel Sebastian Worgull, commander of the German contingent in Slovakia, stated in an interview that there had been no recorded fatalities among the crew members operating the Ukrainian Leopard 2A6 up to that point. The survivability of the tank crews can be attributed in part to certain design features of the Leopard 2.

German manufacturers Krauss-Maffei Wegmann (KMW) and Rheinmetall integrated specialized blow-out panels into the Leopard 2's design to house its 120-millimeter ammunition. These panels are engineered to expel outward from the tank, away from the crew, in the event of an impact. This design contrasts with Russian tank designs, where ammunition is stored beneath the turret, leading to more catastrophic outcomes if the ammunition ignites. Visual evidence from the field suggests that crews often left the hatches on the tanks' turrets and hulls open after damage, indicating potential crew escapes.

Forbes notes that most of the incidents resulting in tank losses occurred within a specific 25-square-mile area, concentrated between Mala Tokmachka in the north and Robotyne in the south. The region from Robotyne through Tokmak to Melitopol has emerged as a focal point in Ukraine's sustained counteroffensive efforts over the past three months.

Mines have shown effectiveness in immobilizing the Leopard 2 tanks by damaging their tracks, which exposes them to further potential attacks. In this context, the Lancet kamikaze drones are utilized to exploit this vulnerability and deliver conclusive strikes.

A comprehensive overview of the contributed Leopard 2 tanks from various nations reveals a broader perspective. In the Leopard 2A4 category, there are a total of 54 tanks, with contributions from Canada, Norway, Poland, Spain, the Netherlands, and Denmark. The Leopard 2A5 variant is represented by 10 Swedish STRV 122 tanks, while the 2A6 category, totaling 21 tanks, includes contributions from Germany and Portugal. When tallying all variants, Ukraine's Leopard 2 tank fleet comprises a total of 85 units, including pledged tanks.

The Leopard 2A4 is an earlier version of the Leopard 2 main battle tank. It is equipped with a 120mm smoothbore gun and features composite armor for protection. While lacking some of the advanced features of later models, it remains a reliable platform.

The Leopard 2A5, or Stridsvagn 122 in Swedish service, is an upgraded variant with improved protection and firepower. It incorporates enhanced composite armor and modular attachments. The 2A5 also includes an updated fire control system.

The Leopard 2A6 is a more advanced iteration of the Leopard 2 series. It includes upgraded armor with composite and modular add-on armor. The 2A6 is equipped with an improved 120mm smoothbore gun, advanced fire control systems, and improved target acquisition capabilities.