A Ukrainian Leopard 1A5 is disabled by artillery and abandoned by its crew somewhere south of Andriivka. The tank skirts a tree line before traversing an open field, where an artillery round lands nearby. The tank reverses, attempting to back out of harm’s way, but another round impacts close aboard, bringing the vehicle to a stop. According to the source, shrapnel from that artillery round damaged the engine, disabling the vehicle. Several more rounds land near the tank, forcing the crew to abandon the vehicle. A Ukrainian drone provides a final inspection of the Leopard, which, despite being disabled, shows few signs of damage. There is a good chance that this tank can be recovered and returned to service.

The designers of the Leopard tank theorized that contemporary anti-tank weapons could defeat most armor, and so focused their attention on mobility and firepower. Though this is by no means a catastrophic kill, the fact that an artillery round can so easily disable a Leopard is testament to the platform’s poor protection. Knowing the tank’s shortcomings, one would think that the Ukrainians would put more thought and care into its employment. Sending a tank, or any vehicle for that matter, trundling through the countryside alone and unafraid is a good way to lose tanks, no matter how tough they are.

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 just completed its big yearly event, an offshore race in the Gulf of Mexico with an all veteran crew. You can support the mission and next year's sailing season at Tri-Sail.Org.