German new €1 Bn military aid includes Leopard 1A5 tanks and air defense systems.

According to the German Ministry of Defense on October 10, 2023, additional military equipment and defensive systems will be provided to Ukraine in the coming weeks. This support comes in the form of 10 Leopard 1A5 main battle tanks (MBTs), 15 undisclosed protected transport vehicles, and nearly 20 unspecified protected medical vehicles. The nation is also set to deliver a range of air defense systems to safeguard vital Ukrainian infrastructure, including the provision of three Gepard anti-aircraft systems, along with new Patriot, IRIS-T SLM, and SLS air defense systems. All of these deliveries form part of a broader second winter assistance package worth an estimated €1 billion.
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This new military aid will include additional Leopard 1A5 tanks, along with Patriot, Gepard 1A2, and IRIS-T air defense systems (Picture source: KNDS, Vitaly Kuzmin, US DoD and Diehl Defense)

The Leopard 1A5 Main Battle Tank, which has already seen the delivery of 20 units to Ukraine, represents a notable upgrade to the original Leopard 1 MBT, developed by Krauss-Maffei Wegmann. These modernized tanks come equipped with an array of enhancements, including an improved fire control system. The tank is armed with a 105mm Royal Ordnance L7A3 rifled gun and features a semi-automatic loading system capable of storing 60 rounds of ammunition distributed between the hull and turret. In addition, it is equipped with a 7.62mm coaxial machine gun and a 7.62mm machine gun for anti-aircraft defense. To fortify its protection capabilities, the tank utilizes a combination of a welded hull and cast turret, with the option to attach bolt-on polycarbonate armor panels. The Leopard 1A5 boasts impressive mobility, with a maximum speed of 65 km/h on roads and a range of 600 km on-road or 450 km off-road. It is further equipped with a computerized fire control system, night vision systems, and an NBC protection system.

The Patriot air defense missile system, of which Germany has already sent 2 launchers to Ukraine, was initially designed to counter airborne threats, the Patriot system has evolved over the years to encompass the interception of ballistic missiles, cruise missiles, and advanced aircraft. One of its distinguishing features is its extended range, enabling it to engage threats several kilometers away, making it particularly suitable for defending larger areas and critical assets.

Germany has already supplied Ukraine with 8 IRIS-T SLM, which is a medium-range variant of the IRIS-T air defense missile system developed by Diehl Defense. This system offers comprehensive 360° protection against a spectrum of threats, including aircraft, helicopters, cruise missiles, and guided weapons. The IRIS-T SLM is distinguished by its ability to simultaneously engage multiple targets within short to medium-range distances with rapid reaction times. The missile launcher unit, mounted on a MAN 8x8 truck chassis, can launch missiles with a range of up to 40 km at altitudes of up to 20 km. The missile itself is based on the IRIS-T air-to-air guided missile and incorporates advanced infrared seekers, onboard radar target assignment, image processing, and impressive maneuverability. The system can intercept adversary missiles, adding versatility to its air defense capabilities. This system comprises launcher trucks, multifunctional radar units for target detection and tracking, and a command post truck to ensure effective command and control.

The IRIS-T SLS, of which Germany has already delivered 24 systems to Ukraine, is a short-ranged version of the IRIS-T. These missiles possess a range of 10 km and can reach altitudes of 5 km, and travel at a speed of around Mach 3 (3,703 km/h). This speed enables swift responses to enemy aircraft and missiles. The system can be mounted on a Unimog truck or a Bv410 tracked all-terrain armored vehicle, with target data being provided by an integrated Giraffe 1X radar.

Adding to Ukraine's defensive capabilities is the Gepard 1A2, with 12 units already delivered by Germany. Known as the "Cheetah," the Gepard is a self-propelled 35mm anti-aircraft cannon developed by Germany's Krauss-Maffei Wegmann (KMW). It is based on the Leopard 1 Main Battle Tank (MBT) chassis and features a two-man turret armed with two 35mm Oerlikon Contraves KDA cannons. The Gepard's armament includes a range of ammunition types, including high-explosive incendiary, armor-piercing, and frangible armor-piercing rounds, with a maximum firing range of 5,500 meters. The vehicle is equipped with a search radar with a 15 km range and a tracking radar, both of which can operate while the vehicle is in motion. The Gepard's design provides protection against small arms fire and artillery shell splinters. Its impressive mobility is powered by an 830 hp engine, enabling it to reach a maximum speed of 65 km/h on roads and achieve a range of 550 km on roads and 400 km off-road.