More than two years after the start of the invasion of Ukraine, the Russian Armed Forces have managed to capture a significant amount of material transferred to the Ukrainian Ground Forces by the United States and its European allies. One of the most valuable spoils has been the capture of M1A1 Abrams main battle tanks and Leopard 2A6s, the latter transferred by Germany. Based on videos and images that have gone viral on social media, one of these tanks has recently been transported to Russia’s most important tank production factory, presumably to undergo various tests and evaluations.
In early 2023, following the lead of the United Kingdom, Germany confirmed it would transfer Leopard 2 tanks, as well as grant authorizations to other countries to do the same. As a result, several nations began sending their tanks in various configurations, ranging from the 2A4 to the more modern 2A6 provided by the German government.
The tanks, along with Challenger 2s and M1A1 Abrams, were to be deployed by the Ukrainian Armed Forces in both offensive and defensive operations against the Russian Ground Forces. During these deployments, several Leopard 2 tanks in service were lost and captured, notably in May, when captured equipment from the conflict was exhibited in Moscow, showcasing one of the 2A6 tanks transferred by Germany.
In recent days, through viral videos shared by Russian media, and thanks to an investigation presented by the specialized outlet Defense News, it was reported that one of these tanks had been transported to Russia’s main tank production plant. Known as Uralvagonzavod, located beyond the Ural Mountains in Nizhny Tagil, it is the primary manufacturer of the “T” family combat tanks in service with the Russian Ground Forces. Additionally, it participates in the development of new variants, as well as the modernization of armored vehicles.
Regarding the Ukrainian tank seen in the viralized videos on social media, it appears to be in good condition, with various visible protections against drones. More precisely, the famous anti-drone cages, or “cope cages,” which have become standard equipment for armored vehicles deployed in the conflict.
It is not precisely known when this Leopard 2A6 was captured by the Russian Ground Forces. To date, regarding this version directly transferred by Germany, it is known that 13 tanks have been lost in combat operations, seven of which were destroyed, and the rest damaged.
At present, it can only be speculated what tests and evaluations this tank will undergo inside Uralvagonzavod, whether to uncover its capabilities and compare them with Russian armored vehicles or to make comparisons in terms of fire control systems, sensors, armor, etc.
Although the Leopard 2A6 is nearly 20 years old since its introduction, followed by the more modern 2A7 version in service with the German Armed Forces, it remains a competent tank, providing good protection for its crews. This is not a minor detail, as it is known that crew protection is a weak point in armored vehicles produced by the Russian Federation.
As part of its investigation, Defense News contacted representatives of the Leopard manufacturer, the German company KNDS, who expressed no concern about these issues, stating: “It won’t be easy to copy, and in any case, it is likely that Russia already has much of the information.”
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