A Leopard 2A6, damaged and abandoned by its crew. The ground around the vehicle is littered with the detritus of battle. The fate of the vehicle is unknown. Western tanks in general are known for being survivable and recoverable, and Ukraine has demonstrated an ability to recover and repair its assets when possible. As of August 2023, Forbes reported that five of the seventy-one Leopard 2 variants donated to Ukraine were destroyed, with as many as ten out of action for damage or repairs. More recent reports from less reliable sources have reported that “most” of the Leopard 2s are out of action, though exact numbers have not been provided. What is certain is that there have been some losses, and tanks are deadlined for repairs, and the ability to return damaged vehicles to a serviceable condition is hampered by a shortage of parts. There are reports that Ukraine will receive an additional fourteen Leopard 2 variants next year to replace battlefield losses, though the Ukrainian military, as well as observers of both sides of the Atlantic, are hungrily eyeing U.S. Marine Corps Abrams tanks recently placed in storage.

About the Author

Cam

Cam served as an infantry officer in the Marine Corps, deploying to the Horn of Africa and participating in combat operations in Iraq. He currently works in the maritime industry and in the defense sector as an instructor of combined arms planning and operations. An avid sailor, Cam founded and directs Triumph Sailing, a nonprofit that supports veterans and first responders through adventure and fellowship on the water. Triumph Sailing is preparing for the 2024 season of sailing on Galveston Bay and in the Gulf of Mexico. You can support the mission and next year's sailing season at Tri-Sail.Org.