After the change of Germany’s position, the transfer of tanks to Ukraine is considered and promised by many other European countries, and if all these promises come true, even more than 300 combat vehicles may come to the front against Russian tanks (currently estimated at 314). Military experts of many countries are currently comparing the combat capabilities of Western and Eastern tanks and, according to them, the equipment given to the Ukrainians will still be better.
What makes Leopard tanks superior
It is no secret that Russia is sending all possible tank modifications to the Ukrainian front, and the moment is not far off when World War II-era T-34 tanks, which have been returned to Russia by North Korea, may also appear there. Since the beginning of the war, Russia has lost almost 1,700 tanks, and it is not known how many of them have ended up in the hands of the Ukrainian army. Experts agree that only the newest Russian T-90M tanks can compete with some Western tanks, because all the others were produced 30-40 years ago, when Russia’s backwardness in the field of electronics was quite significant.
Western tanks are far superior in terms of automation and control. All Russian tanks (except the newest ones) are controlled by two large levers, which brake one or the other track during turns. It’s quite difficult, but if you accidentally pull both levers at the same time, the tank’s motor can lock up. On the other hand, “Leopard” is driven with a steering wheel, which is much simpler and more convenient for maneuvering.
To drive and fight in a Russian tank, you have to do a lot of different things by hand, pressing various switches and switches that are full of the cockpit, while in Western combat vehicles, most of these procedures are automated. This, in turn, means that the “Leopard-2” crew can prepare the tank for combat operations much faster when they see the enemy. It is true, however, that the high level of automation reduces the possibility of eliminating small defects on the spot.
Likewise, Western tank manufacturers started thinking about ergonomics and crew comfort a long time ago, designing comfortable workplaces and easy entry into the tank. As if it’s a trifle, but in Russian tanks, for example, the driver-mechanic has to climb onto his seat while climbing into the tank (also with muddy feet), but “Leopards” are equipped with a special step.
The safety of the crew is also higher in the Western equipment, because the set of combat charges is placed in a special capsule made of armored steel and these charges are fed by an automatic system for firing. Russian tanks also have one, but the charges are unprotected and placed in several places, so in case of a hit, they are subject to a much greater possibility of explosion.
Dimensions, armor and mobility
It should be noted right away that the war in Ukraine is no longer characterized by large tank battles, as it was during World War II, and currently these combat vehicles are mostly used for infantry support. In fact, all Western tanks are slightly taller than Russian tanks and this supposedly makes them an easier target. However, it is almost impossible to shoot a modern tank directly from the front, because that is where the armor is thickest. This can mostly be done from above with aviation or artillery, or from the side using various anti-tank weapons. On the other hand, these anti-tank weapons are weaker for the Russian side than those of the NATO countries.
Western tanks may have problems crossing bridges – many of them were built in Ukraine during the Soviet era, when it was planned that only Russian tanks weighing up to 50 tons would have to cross them, but “Abrams” and “Challengers” are much heavier.
Logistics will also be a big challenge – supplying the tanks with fuel, warheads, as well as the possibility of transporting them to the repair sites. For example, “Abrams” are equipped with a turbo diesel engine capable of developing 1,500 horsepower, the tank reaches a speed of 67 kilometers per hour, but the fuel consumption is also impressive – almost 4 liters per kilometer, while the tank can travel about 400 kilometers with one filling. For Russian tanks, these indicators are slightly better and this can be explained by lighter weight.
It should be noted that together with the western tanks, special machines will also be delivered, which will be able to transport the damaged tanks to the repair places. For the Russians, this situation is easier, because their tanks can be pulled at least with a tractor of sufficient power.
Combat capabilities and shooting accuracy
Mostly all tanks are equipped with 120 millimeter guns, which have a very similar firepower, but Western tanks lead the way with a variety of shells for different purposes and needs. Similarly, experts also believe that Russian tanks enter the front without firing these guns in field conditions, because Russia does not do this in principle and there are no appropriate specialists. The shot is needed to determine the deviation of each particular barrel at the moment of the shot and to calculate it during aiming. On the other hand, in the West, these shots are fired at tanks, which suggests that their shots will be a little more accurate. The accuracy of shots, for example, for “Leopards” is also ensured by a special barrel balancing system – in a situation when the gun is planted at one specific point, while the tank is moving, this point is maintained. Manufacturers also highlight this feature in commercials, when a beer glass is placed on the tank’s cannon and not a single drop spills out of it when driving on off-road conditions. In Russia, this system is only available for the newest tanks, which have been produced quite a bit so far.
Western tanks are far ahead of their competitors both in the quality of optical devices and night vision equipment, and the communication systems are also at a much higher level. For example, Westerners can connect to one whole set of communication systems, and in such a situation, one person can coordinate a whole company of tanks during the battle, while the Russians have such a system only in the tanks of the latest models. Taking into account NATO standards, Western tanks are able to cooperate with each other, but Russian tanks of different years can communicate with each other only through walkie-talkies. It is true, however, that there is also a drawback – battle groups will have to be formed from the “Leopards”, because if they are divided into different battle groups, they will lose their effectiveness.
Even after these, perhaps, 314 tanks arrive at the front, the Russian army will maintain the overall numerical advantage and everything will be decided by how well trained the Ukrainian crews will be. Tanks can arrive in Ukraine at the end of March, beginning of April, when the land in the direction of Mariupol will have dried up enough. Three months of intensive training should be enough for soldiers who already have the basic skills to fight in tanks, while in Russia there are certain problems with training due to the lack of the same specialists.
Time will tell if the Ukrainians will manage to create battle-capable tank groups in such a short time, but it is already felt that many Russian propagandists are talking about tank deliveries in a very hysterical tone. If these tank attacks will be provided in full with anti-aircraft protection and artillery cover, then in the spring we can hope for changes in certain areas of the front.
It should be noted that Russia has not been able to find any counter-arguments for the HIMARS missile system, as the accuracy and power have instilled deep fear in the occupying army. Ukraine can hope for success only if all these weapons systems can work as a whole, but the motivation of the Ukrainian soldiers is much higher than that of the invaders.
