How Western tanks can change the front in Ukraine |
NATO After weeks of pressure from its allies and Kiev, Germany has finally agreed to supply Ukraine with Leopard 2 modern battle tanks. this is of Ukraine Russia It happens at a time when he is preparing for a spring counter-offensive against the invasion.
Berlin as well as Poland NATO gave the green light to allies to give Leopard 2 to Ukraine. USA and will send 31 Abrams tanks equal to one battalion to Kiev.
Western tanks of Ukraine Russia can give a significant impetus in the fight against the invasion of its forces. However, RFE/RL reporter Tod Prince writes that number and time are important factors.
USAArmy Major in Reserve, Madison Political Head of Urban Warfare Research at the Forum John Spencer (John Spencer) tanks of Ukraine calls it “an important part of the recipe” for attack. “To them Russia we need a tank that will surpass the majority of tanks”, he emphasizes.
Leopard 2 and Abrams tanks have better visibility, quickly detecting and targeting enemy equipment. Better stabilization allows these tanks to fire accurately even while on the move. Experts say the tanks in question are safer than Russian models, with blast-resistant doors separating the crew from the ammunition in the tank.
Germany, USA and Great Britain for now, he has agreed to send up to 60 tanks. Britain said at the beginning of this month that it will send 14 “Challenger 2” battle tanks to Ukraine.
Ukraine Army officials say they need 300 tanks, 600-700 armored fighting vehicles, and 500 howitzers to drive the Russians back. Center for Strategic and International Studies (CSIS) military analyst Mark Kankian and less to Ukraine because of the real influence in the war zone 100-150 Western tank states required.
Before the war, Ukraine had 850 tanks and lost at least half of them. This was calculated by the “Oryx” website.
The real loss is believed to be greater. Ukraine does not reveal the number of tanks, states that it is a state secret.
From Eastern Europe during the 11 months of the war NATO members have given hundreds of Soviet-made tanks to Ukraine. However, these countries’ ability to supply such weapons is limited, so Western-made tanks remain the most attractive alternative.
Leopard 2 tanks can be shipped sooner than Abrams because the latter requires longer training. spencer says Ukraine may be ready to use Leopard 2 in a few weeks.
Currently, it is reported that there are more than 2,000 Leopard 2 tanks in Europe, including Turkey. This means that these countries can easily come together for critical level support.
However, there is also an issue that the Leopard 2 tanks, which are considered to be older models, have been stored in warehouses for years and may need repairs and modifications due to potential deployment.
US officials announced that it will take several months to send 31 Abrams tanks to Ukraine. Biden administration justified its hesitancy to send these tanks with the fact that their gas turbines run on jet fuel, their inspection, operation and supply are more difficult than Leopards.
Some experts consider this concern unfounded and draw attention to the adaptation of the Ukrainian armed forces to new equipment.
U.S. officials say Western tanks will be a key component in the battles expected over open terrain in the coming weeks and months. Russia is also believed to be preparing for an attack in the spring.
According to Spencer, battle tanks are also important for urban warfare in Ukraine.
“Ukrainians need tanks to advance and take back territory, especially urban areas. This is the war.” – he emphasized.
The US and NATO allies have also agreed to send hundreds of armed combat vehicles, called “light tanks”, to Ukraine. Although these vehicles are mainly intended for the transportation of soldiers in the combat zone, they can sometimes destroy tanks as well.
Kyiv also wants fighter jets and long-range missiles from the West. The United States can hit Ukraine 300 km. ATACMS refuses to give missiles.
2003-20In 2006, the United States in Ukraine ambassador it happened John Herbst (John Herbst) says long-range missiles are more important than Western tanks because they can target Russian supply chains.
“If the Russians don’t have the equipment, go to war soldier they can’t send – he stressed.