After a 19-month wait, Ukraine is receiving substantial deliveries of refurbished Leopard 1A5 tanks through a three-nation consortium consisting of Germany, The Netherlands, and Belgium.
The initial delivery of 58 tanks has been followed by an additional 45 units, with more expected from the total pledged amount of 155 Leopard 1A5s. This recent surge in deliveries marks a breakthrough after earlier delays caused by parts shortages.
The 40-ton Leopard 1, despite being a 1980s-vintage tank, is set to become the most numerous Western-made tank in Ukrainian service, surpassing the quantities of Leopard 2s, American M-1s, and British Challenger 2s combined.
Ukrainian forces have adapted the tanks to modern battlefield conditions by adding reactive armor blocks and anti-drone netting to compensate for the vehicle's relatively light armor. These modifications appear effective - only six of the initial 58 tanks have been confirmed destroyed since their deployment in July 2023.
The tanks feature a reliable 105-millimeter main gun and an accurate EMES-18 fire-control system. Ukrainian crews have developed specific operational procedures to enhance survival chances, including careful ammunition storage practices. Most of the tank's 42 rounds are stored in the hull rather than the turret to reduce explosion risks if hit.
Germany's latest delivery included 15 Leopard 1s along with armored trucks, artillery, air-defense equipment, and substantial ammunition supplies. This is part of Germany's broader military aid package to Ukraine, which has reached nearly 7 billion Euros since Russia's invasion.
While Ukrainian commanders have generally kept these tanks away from the most intense combat zones, crew members have expressed satisfaction with their performance. The steady influx of Leopard 1s will provide much-needed armored support for Ukraine's newly formed heavy brigades, typically requiring 31 tanks per mechanized brigade.