In the Western world, there is a political tussle over whether Leopard 2 tanks are being delivered to Ukraine or not. Germany is reluctant when it comes to supplying main battle tanks. Other Western countries like Poland and Finland are willing to supply Ukraine with the heavy tanks, but they have to go through Germany first for approval. But what exactly does that delivery for war mean? In this article, two experts answer these and other questions about the much sought-after tanks.
Why does Ukraine want Leopard-2 tanks?
Leopard-2 tanks have much greater firepower than other land-based weapon systems. But this is not the only reason Ukraine is very interested in heavy tanks. German-made tanks can change the nature of warfare. Trench warfare is currently raging, according to defense specialist Patrick Bolder of The Hague Center for Strategic Studies. Bolder argues that the Russian and Ukrainian militaries face each other with roughly equal resources. Leopards can make warfare much more agile and turn it into a war of maneuver. “By using tanks you hope to be able to surprise the enemy,” explains the defense expert.
Where does the reticence of the West come from?
The German defense group Rheinmetall has indicated that it could supply more than a hundred Leopards if needed. Yet Germany is reluctant. According to Bolder, this hesitation has to do with several reasons. Chancellor Scholz is a member of the SPD, a political party that wants to maintain ties with Russia and, above all, a party that never wants Germany to be involved in a war again. It is therefore a question of pleasing the base, because the German people are divided over the delivery of the Leopard 2 tanks’. Historically, there has been political sensitivity in Germany when it comes to war. “At the same time, it is a mistake of the German people that keeping Russia friendly means nothing will happen to Germany,” Bolder says. ‘Putin ultimately determines his own narrative.’
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Germany isn’t the only country reluctant to hand over the Leopards. According to geopolitical analyst Alex Krijger, the tank discussion is actually a metaphor for the West’s willingness to help Ukraine win the war. “The West is afraid of escalation, but it has already escalated. We are facing the biggest war on European soil since the Second World War,” says Krijger. The problem is that the West believes Ukraine should win, but is unwilling to provide Ukraine with the resources it needs to win. This has to do with the fear of Putin’s red line.
What are the risks of deploying the Leopards?
Much of NATO fears that failure to deploy the tanks will ensure the Russians make many gains with their spring offensive. This could mean that Western efforts have so far been in vain. At the same time, Russia may feel threatened by the deployment of heavy tanks. As a result, Putin may switch to the use of heavy artillery or even nuclear weapons. According to Krijger, there is also a risk that when the tanks are deployed, they could fall into Russian hands on the battlefield. The technology in the tanks is particularly sensitive in this regard. Russia could then reuse it for its own equipment.
Defense expert Bolder understands the argument but believes the West shouldn’t worry too much about trampling on the souls of Russians: ‘Ultimately, it is Putin who dictates what he does and keeps changing the narrative. According to the Russian president, the West is now at war with a genocide of Russian citizens through the “vassal state” of Ukraine. It goes all the way around.’
“War no longer has anything to do with reconquering territory, but aims at structurally destroying Ukraine,” Krijger thinks. “That is why we should no longer fear Putin crossing the red line, because he has been doing it for a long time. It is therefore important that the West remains firmly on Ukraine’s side”.
Should Leopard 2 tanks be delivered to Ukraine?
While there is no clear answer on the political scene, experts agree: the Leopards must be handed over to Ukraine. “We have to deliver them as quickly as possible to pursue the Russians, now nobody has the initiative,” Bolder explains. Krijger agrees: ‘We must support Ukraine with everything necessary to win the war. Currently, according to the Ukrainian military, about a hundred of those advanced tanks are needed to provide a counteroffensive. That’s why the Pardi must be delivered as soon as possible.”
But according to Bolder, Leopard 2 tanks are not the holy grail. ‘It’s also really important how you operate and how you handle techniques as a person. Ultimately, warfare is a human activity that involves the use of technology. That’s why not only tanks must be delivered as quickly as possible, but soldiers must also be properly trained to be able to use this technique.’
This may be a Leopard 2 tank
The Leopard 2 heavy tank – weighing 60 tons in combat readiness – is intended to create superiority on the battlefield. The tank can fight enemy vehicles at a distance of more than four kilometers. It is also possible to shoot projectiles while driving. The Leopard 2 is the successor to the Leopard 1 tank, which was developed in 1963 by the German Ministry of Defense.
Source: BNR
Sharon Rock is an author and journalist who writes for 24 News Globe. She has a passion for learning about different cultures and understanding the complexities of the world. With a talent for explaining complex global issues in an accessible and engaging way, Sharon has become a respected voice in the field of world news journalism.
