What is the Leopard 2 tank, and how could it help Ukraine against Russia?

Source: The post is based on the article “What is the Leopard 2 tank, and how could it help Ukraine against Russia?” published in Indian Express on 22nd January 2023.

What is the News?

Germany has not yet decided whether to allow its Leopard 2 tanks to be sent to Ukraine.

What is Leopard 2?

Leopard 2 is a German-manufactured main battle tank with a range of about 500 km.

It is one of the world’s leading battle tanks used by the German Army for decades and by the militaries of more than a dozen other European nations. It has seen service in conflicts in Afghanistan, Kosovo and Syria. 

Features: The tank is powered by a diesel engine. It features night-vision equipment and a laser range finder that can measure the distance to an object, enabling it to better aim at a moving target while travelling over rough terrain. 

What are the advantages of Leopard 2 over other tanks?

The Leopards are in Europe, they are easy to get to Ukraine, and several European countries use them, so they are readily available.

Logistics and maintenance would be easier. Spare parts and know-how are here in Europe, so the training of Ukrainians would be easier.

What is the argument against supplying Leopard 2?

Opponents believe that the supply of tanks would be an escalation of the involvement of NATO countries in the war, heightening the risk of the war spreading.