Germany’s Leopard 2 tanks are proving ineffective on the battlefield in Ukraine, according to a classified assessment by the German defense ministry. A leaked transcript from a meeting between the German defense attaché in Kyiv and Bundeswehr soldiers reveals the challenges Ukrainian forces face while using the tanks.
18 Leopard 2 tanks were delivered to Ukraine in 2023 following months of debate within Germany and hesitation from Chancellor Olaf Scholz. Despite the initial optimism, Ukrainian troops have found the Leopard 2 to have limited operational value. According to the transcript, “Leopard 2s are vulnerable to drone strikes.” The tank’s complex design does not allow on-the-spot repairs, requiring damaged vehicles to be transported to western Ukraine or even to Poland to specialists who can perform the repairs as needed. This means once they are damaged, they stay out of the fight longer than other tanks would be.
Germany, the second-largest military supplier to Ukraine after the United States, is also facing criticism for ammunition shortages affecting even well-functioning systems like air defense units.
Experts say the Ukrainian experience using German equipment in combat is likely to influence its future military procurement choices.
