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Reactive Armor on Ukrainian Leopard 1A5 Tanks: A Proven Technology Still Effective in Ukraine.
A recently released video by Ukraine’s 5th Tank Brigade showcased Leopard 1A5 tanks equipped with Kontakt-1 explosive reactive armor (ERA). These upgrades aim to address the structural vulnerabilities of these aging tanks in the face of modern threats, demonstrating Ukraine’s ability to adapt Cold War-era equipment to the realities of contemporary warfare.
Screenshot from the video of the Ukrainian 5th Tank Brigade showing Leopard 1A5 tanks equipped with ERA armor (Picture source: Ukrainian MoD)
The conflict in Ukraine has highlighted the limitations of traditional passive armor against the advanced and diverse anti-tank weaponry now prevalent on the battlefield. ERA systems like Kontakt-1 help mitigate these vulnerabilities by providing active defense tailored to modern combat scenarios.
Developed in the 1980s by the Soviet Union, Kontakt-1 was designed to enhance tank protection against shaped charges. It consists of independent modules, or "bricks," each containing layers of metal and an explosive charge. When a shaped charge impacts the armor, the explosive layer propels the metal plates at oblique angles to disrupt and scatter the explosive jet, significantly reducing its penetration capability. While Kontakt-1 is ineffective against kinetic energy penetrators and modern tandem warheads, it offers valuable protection against common anti-tank weapons and rocket-propelled grenades (RPGs), which are widely used in the Ukraine conflict.
The decision to install Kontakt-1 on Leopard 1A5 tanks directly addresses the specific challenges the Ukrainian theater of operations poses. These tanks, initially designed in the 1960s and upgraded to the A5 variant in the 1980s, are valued for their mobility and firepower but have limited armor protection, with a maximum thickness of 70 mm. This vulnerability has been mitigated by retrofitting additional protection, including Kontakt-1 and anti-drone mesh screens to counter aerial threats effectively.
Since the beginning of the conflict, Ukraine has received around 200 Leopard 1A5 tanks as part of a German-Danish-Dutch consortium initiative. These 40-ton tanks are equipped with a 105 mm L7A3 rifled main gun, known for its precision at ranges exceeding 4 kilometers. The tanks can reach speeds of up to 65 km/h, providing excellent mobility for hit-and-run tactics or flanking maneuvers. However, the tanks' limited armor necessitated significant modifications, including the addition of Kontakt-1 and other defensive systems.
The Leopard 1A5 also features the EMES-18 fire control system, derived from the Leopard 2, which enhances its precision and includes advanced night vision capabilities. This system provides a substantial advantage over many Russian tanks, such as the T-72 and T-80, which rely on older Soviet-era targeting systems. The Leopard 1A5's ability to utilize armor-piercing fin-stabilized discarding sabot (APFSDS) rounds further enhances its battlefield performance by penetrating the frontal armor of Russian tanks.
The use of Kontakt-1 on Leopard 1A5 tanks reflects a pragmatic approach to extending the operational relevance of older vehicles. While it is a first-generation ERA, it remains effective against a significant portion of the threats faced in Ukraine, particularly RPGs and man-portable anti-tank guided missiles (ATGMs). According to its developers, Kontakt-1 can reduce the penetration capability of standard anti-tank rockets by up to 92% and tank-fired HEAT rounds by 52%.
However, Kontakt-1 has notable limitations. Once a module is triggered, it cannot provide further protection, leaving the impacted area exposed. Approximately 27% of the vehicle’s frontal area, including the lower turret, remains unprotected by ERA, making it vulnerable to subsequent strikes. Furthermore, Kontakt-1 provides minimal to no defense against tandem-charge warheads or kinetic energy penetrators, both of which are increasingly used in modern conflicts. Despite these drawbacks, its lightweight design and modularity make it an effective solution for quickly enhancing vehicle survivability.
The gradual introduction of Leopard 1A5 tanks into Ukraine’s arsenal replaces and reinforces its armored capabilities. While more modern tanks, such as the Leopard 2, Abrams M1, and Challenger 2, have suffered significant losses, the Leopard 1A5s provide an additional layer of operational capability. Their enhanced armor, mobility, and firepower make them valuable assets for both offensive and defensive operations.
The 5th Tank Brigade, which operates these upgraded tanks, plays a critical role in Ukraine’s broader military strategy. By leveraging the Leopard 1A5’s capabilities alongside ERA modifications, the brigade demonstrates how older equipment can be adapted and used effectively under modern combat conditions.
The addition of Kontakt-1 ERA to Ukrainian Leopard 1A5 tanks underscores the ongoing need for innovation and adaptability in modern warfare. While these upgrades are not without limitations, they represent a cost-effective and practical measure to enhance vehicle survivability in a challenging operational environment.
The modernized Leopard 1A5 tanks, with their ERA enhancements, highlight the effectiveness of blending older platforms with contemporary protective technologies. As the conflict in Ukraine evolves, these adapted vehicles will continue to play an essential role in maintaining armored capabilities and responding to the demands of the modern battlefield.