AUGUSTDORF, GERMANY - FEBRUARY 01: AUGUSTDORF, GERMANY - FEBRUARY 01: German Defence Minister Boris ... [+]
The Leopard 2A4 is reported to be the most widespread version of the family of German-made main battle tanks (MBTs). These upgraded models of the third-generation tanks are noted to have automated fire and explosion suppression systems, as well as an improved turret with flat titanium/tungsten armor. A total of 54 Leopard 2A4 tanks have been supplied from NATO partners to Ukraine earlier this year, while it was announced last week that German defense conglomerate Rheinmetall would supply additional models to aid Kyiv.
Berlin first approved the transfer of tanks, and then subsequently announced it would provide its own tanks to Ukraine in January. The tanks had been seen as a potential game changer for Kyiv, as the Leopard 2 is considered to be one of the most advanced and capable MBTs in service in the world today.
However, it was last month that the armored behemoths had their baptism of fire in the ongoing conflict, and a number were destroyed by Russian forces. At the time, military analysts quickly noted that such losses are almost expected in an offensive operation, but Ukraine now appears to be taking great strides to further enhance and improve the capabilities of the Leopard 2.
Improving The Best?
A video was widely shared across social media on Saturday that showed a Leopard 2A4U – an unofficial designation of the MBT. Though less than a half-minute long, the clip shows the German-made tank fitted with add-on Kontakt-1 ERA (explosive reactive armor) and rubber screens. This would undoubtedly be among the first times that the Soviet-designed Kontakt armor has been utilized on the German-made tank.
The video has already been seen more than 400,000 views.
Did It Show Too Much?
In advance of its long-anticipated counteroffensive, Kyiv also launched a campaign to stop the over-sharing via social media and other platforms that could reveal troop positions or the movements of units. However, at the same time, the Ukrainian military has continued to employ so-called "war porn" videos that highlight the exploits of its units on the front lines.
In this case, it is likely that nothing too secret was actually revealed. If anything, it could show that Kyiv is taking efforts to further enhance the tanks, and ensure that it has a greater chance of surviving when it goes into battle. In that way, it could be part of a carefully orchestrated social media campaign, while still not giving up too much.
"I would argue it is not too much to show the Leopard tank online. However, Ukraine needs to balance out trying to win the social media war and public opinion war vs. winning on the battlefield," explained Harry Kazianis, president of Rogue States Project and a senior editor for 19FortyFive. "One can only hope Russia found out about this first in combat."
Though it is likely that the Kremlin – as well as other nations – will take a closer look at this and other videos, it doesn't really reveal all that much, added Dr. Matthew J. Schmidt, associate professor of national security and political science at the University of New Haven.
"Videos like this only show outwardly visible specs that would be known by Intel officers anyway," said Schmidt. "Weapons are always the things we turn to as the key info because that's what movies and video games are centered on. That said, it's easy to over-share, but my main concern would be accidental geo-location data and info on specific units and commanders. People, place, and purpose of maneuver are in reality what are most important."
