Germany's Leopard 2 Tanks Reported Failing on Ukraine Battlefields

Germany's Leopard 2 tanks, sent to Ukraine in 2023, are reportedly underperforming on the battlefield, as detailed in a leaked defense ministry assessment. Ukrainian troops have found the tanks overly complex to operate and vulnerable to drone strikes, with many preferring older German models due to their reliability. The report indicates the Leopard 2s are being used primarily as artillery due to their limited mobility and the challenges associated with battlefield repairs, which often require sending damaged tanks to specialized crews far from the frontlines. Experts suggest that the tanks were not designed for the current combat conditions faced by Ukraine, where air support is lacking. Additionally, criticisms highlight the need for Germany to increase the number of operational tanks to ensure sustained military support for Ukraine. These insights underline the importance of adapting military procurement strategies based on frontline experiences.