Unpacking How Ukraine’s New Leopard 2 Tanks will fare in combat

by Maya Carlin, Warrior Contributor, Weapons

Since the onset of Russia’s invasion of Ukraine nearly sixteen months ago, the Kremlin’s well-oiled propaganda machine has divulged misinformation regularly. Last week, Russian-state media outlets circulated the narrative that a number of advanced German Leopard 2 tanks delivered to Ukraine’s forces had been under fire.

While viewers on social media immediately debunked these claims, pro-Kremlin figures have continued to circulate them. In the released footage, analysts found that the vehicles in question were actually a John Deere 4830 sprayer tractor and a John Deere 9000 combine harvester.

Ukrainian president Volodymyr Zelenskyy has indicated that Kyiv’s highly anticipated counter-offensive is underway, which the Kremlin is likely trying to undermine.

The U.S. and other North Atlantic Treaty Organization (NATO) members have delivered billions of dollars’ worth of aid to support Ukraine’s defensive efforts in the ongoing war. In addition to financial support, humanitarian assistance, security aid and weapons and equipment have been delivered to Kyiv. 

At the beginning of the year, several Western countries pledged to ship advanced main battle tanks (MBTs) to support Ukraine’s front lines, including American M1 Abrams, British Challengers and German Leopard 2 armored vehicles.

Introducing the German Leopard 2 MBT

Derived from the Leopard 1, the second variant in this series of tanks began its development phase in the early 1960’s. West Germany needed a MBT that could effectively counter and overcome the Soviet Union’s superior tanks like the T-62 and T-55. In cooperation with the U.S.,