Jan 25, 2023 at 6:04 PMUpdate: 7 minutes ago
Germany and European allies donate dozens of tanks to Ukraine. For the first time, the country will receive Western weapons that are really intended to attack and (re)conquer territory. But will this make a difference in the fight against Russia? NU.nl spoke about it with two military experts.
Who we spoke to:
Hans Bouwmeester is associate professor of Military Strategy and Land Operations at the Netherlands Defense Academy.
Frederik Mertens is a military historian and strategic analyst at The Hague Center for Strategic Studies (HCSS).
Are we going to see a difference in the war if Ukraine loses the tanks immediately used?
Han Bouwmeester: “If you have a lot of tanks, you have a very favorable position on the battlefield. Tanks have special properties such as firepower and mobility, with which you can deal a considerable blow. At the same time, they are also well protected. Soldiers who are in them are therefore not easily waylaid.”
“In addition, a tank can see its own targets and also shoot at them. Other weapon systems, such as the armored howitzer, cannot. These properties give tanks extra power in both attack and defense. And that is important for the position of Ukraine to reinforce.”
Frederik Mertens: “It does matter how many tanks are deployed. We are dealing with a major war that has now lasted almost a year and has caused many casualties. That includes large numbers of tanks.”
“The dozens of tanks that are now being sent to Ukraine are a first step. This will allow the Ukrainian army to learn how to use the system. But it won’t make much difference. To really contribute to a good defense and attack, we will have to think to three hundred tanks. Ukraine had thought of that earlier.”
“In addition, you should not see the tank as an isolated system. It is part of the connected weapon systems, which also include the infantry and artillery (ground troops and firearms, ed.). The tank has the leading role in the team of weapons, but without the rest it can do little.”
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So what type of tank can really make a difference in the fight against Russia?
master builder: “Different tanks are available within the NATO countries. The Netherlands and Germany have the Leopard 2 and the British have the Challenger tanks. In France there is still the Leclerc. And the United States is sending the Abrams.
“If you have to judge firepower, protection and mobility, the Leopard 2 and the Abrams are the best choice. The British Challenger has a good gun and good firepower. But compared to the other types they seem to offer less protection. The same goes for the Leclerc.”
A German Leopard tank (top left), British Challenger tank (top right), American Abrams tank (bottom left), and French Leclerc tank (bottom right).
Mertens: “The Leopard 2 is the most logical candidate to send to Ukraine. Compared to the other types of tanks, it is more user-friendly and easier to maintain. A tank is a monster of a weapon system that weighs more than 60 tons. That requires a lot of maintenance.”
“By sending the Leopard 2, you could theoretically prepare Ukrainian soldiers in time for a new Russian offensive, which is expected to take place in April. But it will be more difficult to train technicians to use the tanks. That’s why although it is wise to send as many of the same type of tanks as possible, so that the army can use time and weapons more efficiently.”
And do we run the risk of the deployment of nuclear weapons by Russia because of the tank delivery?
Mertens: “I don’t know if the tank battalions pose a greater risk of escalation. Russia has been threatening nuclear weapons for a year now with every move the West makes. And so far it has been mostly words. Russia is also there “We have clearly been told by China and India not to threaten nuclear weapons. They are not suicidal either. So I don’t think things will escalate with the delivery of tanks.”
“But the longer this conflict lasts, the greater the chance of accidents and misunderstandings will become. That is the great concern that we have. I think we should be careful. At the same time, we must also approach Russia with confidence and some courage. Because otherwise they will play the nuclear card every time.”
master builder: “Ultimately you make a decision as a country: I will support Ukraine with tanks or not. And if you really want to support Ukraine, you have to deploy heavy equipment in the form of tanks. This way we can also help the country to start an offensive. “
“There is also talk of a Russian offensive that will take place in the summer. Russia is not able to do that right now. The Russians are said to be regrouping and deploying more soldiers. Ukraine wants to deal with this smartly, because they cannot can simply mobilize thousands of soldiers. The Western tanks therefore offer a solution.”
Jan 25, 2023 at 11:52 am
Germany wants to send two battalions of nearly 90 Leopard 2 tanks to Ukraine
Jan 24, 2023 at 7:28 PM
Germany authorizes countries to supply Leopard 2 tanks to Ukraine
Image: ANP
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