laststandonzombieisland

The Bundeswehr has been showcasing modernized Kampfpanzer Leopard 1 A5s, revisiting the home team’s military training grounds.

Although the Cold War-era type ended production in 1984 and was decommissioned by the Germans in 2003, Ukrainian volunteers and conscripts are being trained on the vintage hull by soldiers of the Europäischen Ausbildungsmission (European Training Mission), or EUMAM UA.

If the tanks look great, keep in mind that they had been well-maintained by their previous owners as investments, and when retired, were transferred to Rheinmetall and FFG to keep in controlled storage for potential future resale.

Instead of heading to Third World users, upwards of 200 such vehicles have been pledged to the Ukrainians from Norway, Denmark, the Netherlands, and Germany.

Ukraine has received around 100 upgraded Leopard 1 A5 DK tanks from Denmark alone, which have been retrofitted with composite armor, laser rangefinders, thermal imaging optics, better commo, and modern night vision devices.

That, combined with the Leo’s stabilized 105mm L7A3 L/52 gun and well-trained crews, can make the old cat a bruiser against just about any Russian tank or armored vehicle encountered.

Despite the heavy drone-vs-drone nature of the fight in Ukraine, there is still plenty of room for armored forces.

With that being said, I would be remiss if I didn’t also note that work is simultaneously being done by John Cockerill Defence in Belgium to make remotely operated Leo 1s for Ukraine as well…