Ukraine needs vehicles alongside Western tanks for success - expert

A defence expert has told Forces News that Western tanks can make a difference in Ukraine but support vehicles are needed alongside them.
Brigadier (retired) Ben Barry said: "What Ukraine's trying to build is complete armoured brigade formations, equipped not just with tanks but with infantry fighting vehicles, with artillery and also battlefield support vehicles.
"If Ukraine is to generate proper combined arms armoured brigade, it needs all those vehicles, not just tanks."
It comes as Germany confirms it will provide Ukraine with Leopard 2 battle tanks, with the US expected to approve the sending of its M1 Abrams tanks.
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[@gregs7562]

USMC used Leopard 2 in Afghanistan? Doubt that.

[@HollywoodMarine0351]

I also heard his error, and NO we (USMC) never used Leopard 2’s.

[@tailgunnerrich592]

Lol 😆🤣😂

[@BD-uw1kq]

There should be no limit at all to the amount or the quality of armaments sent to Ukraine. Everything short of tactical nukes should not only be considered but actually supplied. Remember that it's a hell of a lot cheaper to have someone else do the fighting.

[@jeraldkozey6095]

Absolutely correct. I see not a single reason for not supplying Ukraine with everything they require in order to stop russian invasion. We need to finally realize that his is a WW2 scenario all over again. If we don't stop putin now - we will have a much longer and much bloodier conflict in Europe. On the other hand by supporting Ukraine with our modern military we will make sure to end this war on Ukrainian soil without a single NATO soldier getting killed/injured. I know it doesn't sound good but that's the reality - we either pay with money or with money & blood. I say the first option is better.

[@Ashley-Paucek]

I believe in the victory of Ukraine! 💙💛 With our help the Russian invasion was stopped. Now even more weapons will be delivered to Ukraine, which will allow us to clear Ukrainian territories from invaders.

[@Bob10009]

There are almost 1,000 IFV, APC and armoured trucks heading there too - announced before the tanks.

[@robbie4084]

It's that high? Wow I thought 250 to 300+

[@user-bl4oq7fd8d]

I mean if you count armored trucks... But they still aren't real IFVs. Maybe it's 200-300 IFVs

[@stephenbrand5661]

@@user-bl4oq7fd8d Ukraine has also received hundreds of BMP's from its allies and plenty from Russia.

[@ChessPlayer78]

Russia has yet to deploy T90 and T14 Aarmata tanks, these combined with 4th and 5th generation fighter planes will start the real war with NATO, WWIII

[@TheRealBillBob]

Well after Russia captures all of those Strykers, Bradleys, Abrams and that Leopard, they will replicate the technology and software and suddenly have the best tank program in Europe.

[@willw8011]

The US Marines never used Leopard tanks. The USMC used M1A1 Abrams tanks and before that they used M60 tanks.

[@John_Hemingway]

Ye cant imagine what he was thinking there 🤨

[@dougcoombes8497]

Ukraine will get to its goals soon. US just announced 31 M1 Abrams going to Ukraine, Germany 14 Leopard 2A6s, Morocco had 90 T-72B upgraded by the Czechs with western thermals, comms and turret ERA and additional glacis armor making them better than any T-72 in Russian service. Poland will send some of its Leopard 2s as will Finland. Spain has been wanting send some of its Leopard 2s, hopefully the upgraded E model which is better than the A5. Hundreds of APCs and IFVs coming from across the world. Here in Canada we sent 39 Super Bison and 100 Senators with another 200 Senators coming. Plus all the tube and rocket artillery Ukraine has been getting. The AFU should be in a very good position for offensive operations this summer and fall. I won't be surprised if they take back all of Donbass and Crimea by years end.

[@still_guns]

Morocco is only sending 20 T-72's. These will be upgraded alongside the existing 90 T-72's from Czech to T-72EA standard.

[@TheRealBillBob]

Russia thanks you in advance to the expensive targets to blow up, and the others like the Abrams, Stryker and Leopard they'll capture and replicate the technology and software. Congratulations for making Russia more powerful than before.

[@taffiejames1496]

@Bill bob you keep believing that. All the Russians have is 10% or so private fighting army with all the best kit available. The remaining 90% are poorly trained, poorly led and hardly equipped conscript army. The Russian will no doubt destroy a leopard or Abrahams tank, but at what cost?

[@williamzk9083]

You need nearly 2 maintenance personnel (mostly mechanics I imagine) per MBT. This is the area that worries me the most.

[@acheung666]

They all just get blown up, hence that’s why Zelensky needs more tank.

[@TS-vn2fc]

1 million! Kiev regime’s appetite is growing exponentially by minutes.

[@TheRealBillBob]

Well it'll starve. None of these weapons will give Ukraine an advantage especially without air Superiority. You people are spoiled by the fake successes against weak Muslim countries and sandal wearing militants in the desert with air support.

[@robbie4084]

Aren't they getting over 100 Bradley's also, as in they are already on the way to Ukraine And the Stryker + the Canadians, French Sweden and The Netherlands are sending those types tight? There must be well over 250 units there alone in tactical support vehicles + now how many Tanks, 150+ ?.

[@jacobyoung8070]

In the Bradley package they are getting 200 Russian tanks

[@nian60]

Expect tons of orc bots in the comments, they've been in full panic mode today.

[@danLTa1]

Watch out for western names that's their mo

[@stephenmurray2851]

This orc thing is extremely cringe.

[@Silver_Prussian]

@@stephenmurray2851 i know right ? They havent stoped repeating it.

[@Round_07]

This is a dangerous provocation and escalation, the west wants a nuclear war, they’ll all get destroyed anyway, just give in and life will be easier, blah, blah, blah Just getting in the usual garbage in before the bots do 😜

[@MAXlMUS]

melting

[@VanderlyndenJengold]

Did I hear right? He said the US Marine Corps used the Leopard tank in Afghanistan?

[@eioclementi1355]

Afghanistan undefended World super power killers 🇦🇫

[@emcron147]

He said that and he is wrong. No Leo 2 in the USMC.

[@davidhouseman4328]

You did hear that. This isn't a good interview. The idea shipping Abrams is the issue is also bunk.

[@chaosXP3RT]

@@eioclementi1355 USA: back to back World War Champions

[@chrisburke624]

I think either the interview for sliced, or he didn't articulate what he meant very well The USMC deployed Abrams tanks to Helmand province, in Afghanistan. The Dutch deployed Leopard 2's also to Helmand province. The Canadians were next door in Kandahar province, and they deployed Leopard 2's there also As far as I can recall, the US Army did not deploy any MBT's to Afghanistan, as their AO included multiple provinces that were mostly mountains & valleys

[@EmmEff3168]

I haven't read about how a critical difficulty will be mitigated - most of Ukraine's bridges are limited to about 40 tons! Anyone know the plan? BTW I don't think that tanker training will be a huge issue - they seem to be smart and well motivated. I am concerned about maintainability, perhaps Poland could ramp up to perform depot maintenance on some of the components. Sending Challenger 2 tanks is a bit strange, the UK doesn't have that many and more importantly they use non-NATO ammo for their rifled bore guns.

[@steeltalon2317]

Well, you hit it on the nail. I think this whole thing needs to place Stryker and Mauder training first over everything else for the exact reason you mentioned with bridge capability. Use them to establish the massive screen line with artillery support and wait for tanks to arrive.

[@williamzk9083]

The smaller bridges will simply be crossed by over laying Bridge Layers to reinforce the Bridge. The larger ones may need a pontoon bridge or a rail bridge.

[@neutraluser4019]

Get Japan to supply 1000 x 4WD Toyota Hilux or Tamora and US/NATO can mount 81mm mortar and heavy machine gun to support the infranty while waiting for those few tanks. Support 🇺🇦 🇺🇦 🇺🇦

[@fdk7014]

Nothing can destroy the Toyota Hilux!

[@fimenduro]

@@fdk7014Only the new environmental laws prohibiting fossil fuel cars😂 We all need a percentage of poper fossil fueled 4x4’s for preparedness in the society, also in the future

[@DanielsPolitics1]

@@fimenduro Fossil fuel vehicles are dependent on a very long, complex, and high tech supply chain for fuel. Without a critical mass of demand, that can’t be sustained. In any case, the failure of fuel distribution and refining has long been a major element of “breakdown” of economies/nations under attack, especially nuclear.

[@musicvatsa]

Need THAD and Patriot anti missile system

[@ky5030]

Ain’t you patriot?🤔

[@ThatCarGuy]

They wont get THAAD. Can't risk Russia getting their hands on THAAD. It's AN/TPY-2 radar has almost a 5000km range and is why Russia and China accused the US of using them in South Korea to spy. That being said, sell or lend/lease them Patriots.

[@RaySpainPlayer]

"Armoured brigade formations", "Combined arms warfare" - exactly what's required.

[@TheRealBillBob]

LOL. Sure thing. After Russia blows them up, Zelensky will be crying for more again. None of these things can help Ukraine win, just become part of the viral videos of western weapons on fire.

[@MrRapperJd]

Russia should be glad, the world took them half serious for atleast 10 years before everyone went back to making fun of them

[@acheung666]

Why make fun of Russia, they’re doing quite well! Considering that Russia is technically fighting 20+ countries at the same time in Ukraine!

[@milobradtke2445]

The Russian army became not just a laughing stock, the Russian army was put in competition with gangs like Wagner

[@TikiShootah]

@@acheung666 they're literally just fighting Ukraine with donated gear. Russia couldn't handle full on combat with a NATO and it's fully trained personnel

[@hereward6771]

Are the MTBs going to be replenished as they are lost? If so, that is very different than just supplying the raw up-front number.

[@sorennilsson9742]

To keep 300 modern tanks going is not a small problem.

[@prechabahnglai103]

Just like how Bradleys went from 2 to now 3 digits in numbers as the mental hurdle were crossed. The same thing could be happening here in the next few weeks. That being said, I don’t think there’re that many spares Leos around. Unless nations are willing to disarm their own existing troops.

[@Wolf-hh4rv]

They have been given the supporting vehicles already. (?)

[@RobBCactive]

Succinct but also informative 😁✌️

[@jsb1585]

I wonder if the UK has any Warrior IFV's to spare. They'd be a great addition to the Bradley's the UAF are due to receive.

[@lacdirk]

It was very odd that the UK skipped the IFVs. The Warriors must be in poor shape. But the Marders and AMX-10 RC are good too. Just ... more would be better.

[@davidhouseman4328]

@@lacdirk Challenger was only a political point. Uniquely British vehicles aren't generally worth the logistical issues for the small numbers. Some warriors wouldn't be bad just we can do more bang for buck.

[@lacdirk]

@@davidhouseman4328 The AS-90 will be very welcome though.

[@jasonlawrence4617]

The vehicles to go alongside the tanks are already there, and lots more are on their way

[@chlatschedude9646]

Well yea but not the kind of bridge layers that can carry a leopard or abrams

[@dougcoombes8497]

@@chlatschedude9646 If they can't find places to ford them, with all the ingenuity Ukrainians have shown already I have no doubt they will rapidly put together their own homegrown solution to this. Considering they have been asking for these tanks for over a half year I wouldn't be surprised if they already don't have the equipment made for river crossing in Abrams and Leopard 2s.

[@Ashley-Paucek]

Stay strong, Ukraine💙💛 More heavy weapons on the way!!

[@evilfingers4302]

Ukraine needs enough MBTs to actually carry out their Ultimate Goal of retaking the Crimean Peninsula.

[@williamzk9083]

The Germans were actually right to pressure Britain and the US to offer tanks. There may be 2000 Leopards in service in Europe but Turkey and Greece aren't offering which gets the number down to 1400. While the Leopard 2A5, 2A6 and 2A7 are great the 2A4 is a bit old and should be upgraded to 2A5 standard. Bottom line there aren't enough modern Leopards so its best to start training on Abrams and Challenger as well. Leopards will be the bulk of the Ukrainian force but it will take a year to get Leopard 2A4 out of storage and maybe upgrade some. The Abrams and Challenger can fill the gap. The Abrams can fill the gap between the initial 2A5 and 2A6 Leopards and those refurbished and upgraded from storage. Also Leopard 2A7A1 is on the assembly line. When the Germans get delivery in their own army they can transfer more of their Leopard 2A6 and 2A7 to Ukraine while keeping the 2A7A1 for themselves. (They've said they'd supply new build Leopard 2A7A1 but I bet it would be 1.5 years.

[@Silver_Prussian]

Over 2000 Leopard 2 tanks cool but what variants are they ? Cause very few are upgraded

[@shades2.183]

Beggers cant be choosers

[@TheRealBillBob]

No one is getting 2000 Leopard tanks. ROTFL!

[@NIKOLASAV1]

Leopard was used in Syria, he didn't mention that.

[@decemvre]

Yes.

[@vitaliyvyntu4566]

Glory to Ukraine!

[@jimmiller6713]

forces news ...what are the bradlys for and all the other light armour they have...air support if anything

[@sedanchair2]

Everything... So many variations of Bradlys and Strykers.

[@TheRealBillBob]

@@sedanchair2 More trophies for Russia to add to their collection and replicate the technologies. This gambit by the West will make Russia a NATO power.

[@pan2aja]

NATO : how many battle tank do Ukraine want ? Ukraine : Yes !

[@TheRealBillBob]

Russia: licking it's chops at capturing them to replicate their technology.

[@anthonyhulse1248]

So it’s a good thing that Canada, Uk, USA and other countries are sending fighting vehicles

[@jurgenmuller143]

Canada has 2A6 Leopard tanks. Since they are on their own continent with the US they could easily sent their Leopards over.

[@heinedenmark]

Is he drunk or something 🥴😅 Denmark and Canada used them in Afghanistan. USMC got supported by the Danish Leopards, on some operations in Helmand. After that they decided to deploy Abrams themselves. There's never been Leopards in Iraq.

[@TheBooban]

This is the story I remember too, and probably what this guy meant. But didn’t the marines also borrow those tanks after the Danes left? Until their Abrams arrived?

[@heinedenmark]

@@TheBooban No

[@paintballusa1658]

It makes sense 👌

[@FirstNameLastName-ev3jk]

How many tanks? All of the tanks.

[@hussar843]

basic structure of combat team consists of seven battalions: three combined arms battalions, one cavalry (reconnaissance) squadron, one artillery battalion, one engineer battalion and one brigade support battalion.

[@TheRealBillBob]

Combat team for whom? 🤣🤣

[@ben6591]

@@TheRealBillBob lmao ikr

[@chrisburke624]

I wouldn't call the Leopard 2 'combat proven' Canada deployed the Leopard 2 to the sandbox, and it did engage in 'combat operations' - but not against a modern enemy that also has tanks, or even ATGM's. Making a doorway in a thick mud wall isn't the same kind of combat being discussed here... I think they will do very well regardless tho.

[@TheRealBillBob]

The Abrams isn't combat proven either. What action have they had other than against weak Muslim countries and sandal wearing militants? And that was in the desert the the luxury of air support. They won't have that in Ukraine.

[@whitebeauty759]

Modern enemy? Just kidding?

[@Zoomerland]

The Abrams can also burn diesel.

[@AORD72]

Give them 3000 tanks and 10,000 support vehicles. And 50,000 cruise missiles. But there isn't enough I hear you say, then hurry up and build them.

[@hbombharry]

I would say the answer is as many as it can get hold of

[@ross8474]

The people who agree with tanks from Germany must be lonely men with no family's to worry about . Sad what

[@gone547]

How many yu got?

[@ponz-]

Did anyone hear the variant Germany plans on sending? Just curious because I thought and I could be wrong on this but they sold off most of their armor force to countries that already had the Leo2. So I wasn’t sure if the leo2s they have left are all upgraded to the latest versions or only some and those will be the ones they’re planning on sending.

[@markwebster1238]

Various ones mostly a4 but I think rhinemettal has 22 of the newer l7 they will send

[@markwebster1238]

No mention of leopard in Syria? Interesting

[@Gww376]

2023 warfare....shoot and scoot..speed is key

[@markdavies9636]

The UK needs to send 50 Warrior tanks with the Challenger 2 tanks in support. Over 1000 Warrior tanks have been built.

[@TheRealBillBob]

It wouldn't help. It would be good for Russia, because they could capture them and replicate their technology.

[@jacobschnberg5382]

tanks can be replaced by other weapons ! --- The AMOS mortar system can easily replace a tank and strenghten an armored brigade quite a lot

[@bishboshs]

A mortar system is completely different from a tank. They simply do different things... Nobody storms a trench line with a mortar systen

[@jacobschnberg5382]

@@bishboshs You need to investigate this system i little Josh. AMOS is very well suited to attack a trench line , And it can also take out tanks

[@bishboshs]

@@jacobschnberg5382 so what does this system do that's remotely similar to a tank? Does it fire directly? No. Does it provide close heavy armour support for infantry, no. Is it heavily armoured, no.

[@AHalz]

@@jacobschnberg5382 Mortar systems and tanks are two completely separate systems and neither can replace the other. if you honestly think this, please join the military and tell them about this great idea. You'll be laughed at and made fun of

[@jacobschnberg5382]

@@bishboshs yes

[@84MadHatter]

The answer is yes

[@natotvwarjimbo3461]

TANKS AND MORE TANKS🎺💛💙💪🔱👍🔰SLAVA UKRAINI 🔰👀= FREEDOM

[@janote641]

Leopard 2 has been used in combat with Turkish army also....Syria civil war

[@melidareichert6720]

Russia goodbye. After our decision , many countries will give tanks too. Only with cooperation we could help Ukraine to get their victory

[@ProjecthuntanFish]

The US Marines have never used Leopard tanks. The amount of misinformation in some of these videos about tanks is astounding!

[@dinoziemann8121]

Olaf Scholz changed his mind and gave the go-ahead to supply the Leopards. This will help to stop and defeat Putin, because if he is not stopped, he will go further.

[@davidphillips8674]

The UK should hand over its complete Challenger 2 inventory to Ukraine and replace them with brand new Challenger 3s. It will create jobs in the UK and stimulate your economy. And, you damn well know that we(the US) won't ever let anything happen to you if you need tanks in the future.

[@Chipsandgravy202]

Britain one of the best pound for pound military’s , maybe not as massive as the USA , we wouldn’t want to turn our defence in the the US part of our alliance is we keep you guy in with our policy’s and gifting you the ability to bargain wouldn’t be smart ( British point of vue) the us needs controlling a some points

[@Bob10009]

That won’t work because the only way to build a Challenger 3 is to convert a Challenger 2. We do have more spare though that could be sent. The MOD though is re-evaluating the number of tanks the British army needs. We only have 250 minus the ones going to Ukraine.

[@heybabycometobutthead]

You need to educate yourself on the manufacturing process

[@Silver_Prussian]

Here i the problem all the old tank models that western countries have are just as important as their newest models cuase their newest models are just upgraded older ones. So if the uk sends all of its challenger 2 they will not be left with anymore tanks To make a challenger 3 you need a challenger 2. To make a leo2a6 you need a leo2a4

[@tp_timtam863]

Tell me you don’t know anything about the Chally 3 without telling me. The UK won’t do that because the chally 3 is a modernised version of the chally 2, it’s easier to spend a little bit upgrading it than spend a lot by building new ones.

[@paulwalker427]

its had that twice over already

[@Bob10009]

And Russia had thousands more…..

[@FlyWithMe_666]

1:05 Dude just forgot that Turkey has been using them (A4) maybe more than all the other nations combined…

[@ezymedianetwork193]

I wish the one talking was also gonna do the fighting. That would've made much more sense

[@anthonyhulse1248]

I think the same way about your comment

[@UnitedUA]

} Abrams/Leopard Tanks incoming! The Orcs are truly done now! The war criminals deserve it. 💛💙😍

[@baophan3515]

Huh? The USMC does not use the Leopard. It uses the M1A1 Abrams version. Yes, the Abrams has a turbine engine, meaning, it doesn’t just uses jet fuel but it can take anything that burns. It can burn gasoline, diesel, and even cooking oil. BTW, why is this general refer to the Abrams as Abrahams?

[@jamesmccann531]

I think you need to give it another listen. They werent saying that USA uses the Leopard. And theh were saying A Brams,

[@TheBooban]

@@jamesmccann531 1:13 he said Canada and US Marine corps. Canada had Leopard 1’s. I think they borrowed 2’s from Denmark or something. And I vaguely remember a story the marines borrowed left over leopards for a while too. Could be those ones.

[@coke2679]

it's so stupid that they send different tanks. The should just send lots of leo2 and replace them with abrams from the US.

[@haskha7525]

ppl think some tanks gone change the outcome of this war?

[@TheRealBillBob]

Because most people are ijits.

[@OrientalOreo]

Would providing a-10 warthogs be a better idea? The thing was designed for tank killing.

[@lee0495]

The a-10 has a lack-luster performance history compared to other systems.

[@davidhouseman4328]

The air domain is very hostile (to both sides). Frankly the A-10 works because it's supported by the rest of the USAF.

[@TheRealBillBob]

No one is sending any jets. Not now or ever.

[@OrientalOreo]

@@TheRealBillBob da comrade it’s not in capital west best interest to ever send advanced airplanes to combat mighty Russian airforce.

[@ht8602]

We dont need to know, nor should we ask... That Ukraine get tanks, and from who is good enough... its comming to a point that the actual number of tanks of the various models need to be kept a secret... Putler dosent need to know how many fully armoured battle groups Ukraine can muster...

[@TheRealBillBob]

I think the citizens deserve to know what's being taking from their military inventory, don't you? Oh wait, you don't live in a democracy. Zelensky is a murderous thug dictator who bans the media and opposing politicians who doesn't toe the line.

[@corsair6]

UAF ideally would like to form several armored brigades to break the Russian front-line as the offensive to take Kherson proved, they don't have much depth to their defenses, so punching through the front line is the crux here. The rest of the cavalry can ride in on HMMWV, MRAP, APC and anything else to hit the exposed flanks While the M1 is multi-fuel, the use of a turbine versus a diesel like the Leopard & Challenger is the sore-spot or, point of contention. The consumption rate that a turbine goes through is beyond what most Western armies logistics tails can support. Sure there's lots and lots of power but, you need that support which Ukraine is doing on a shoe-string, hodgepodge of generosity.

[@lacdirk]

Actually the range of Abrams and Leo2 is pretty close. But the difference is that there are only about 300 "spare" Leo2 available in NATO, while there are more than 10 times as many Abrams. It's pretty simple: either M1 Abrams is provided in strength, or Ukraine loses.

[@TheRealBillBob]

Yeah sure. Go play some more Worlds at War. Reality is not your thing.

[@d.l.hemmingway3758]

Indeed the Ukrainians need the IFVs, APCs and recovery vehicles along with supply trucks, maintenance trucks like the one built on the HEMMIT, etc. For the M1 series alone they will need the M88A2 recovery vehicle. What Ukraine needs basically is to be equipped with and trained up on complete Armored Brigade Combat Teams as currently organized in the United States Army regardless whether they're equipped with M1A1/ M1A2 Abrams and M2A3 Bradleys, German Leopard 1 or Leopard 2 MBTs and Marder IFVs or UK Challengers and associated IFVs. The Battalions of these Brigades should be organized like the American Combined Arms Battalions either as Armored Combined Arms Battalions (2 Tank Companies & 1 Mechanized Company) or as Mechanized Combined Arms Battalions (2 Mechanized Companies & 1 Tank Company) plus associated support units.

[@robbie4084]

I think they have those + a lot more are on the way, from what I have read in the last 2 to 3 weeks

[@TheBooban]

Why you gotta repeat what the guy in the vid already said?!

[@TheRealBillBob]

More equipment from different countries means more problems and more targets for Russian drones and artillery. This is a losing strategy. But a win win for Russia if they capture these tanks. Then they can replicate the technology and software. And just like that Russia becomes a NATO power and can sell them for discounted volumes to other countries to have their own NATO weapons.

[@robbie4084]

@@TheRealBillBob well that's true to a point, but Ukraine are very good at adapting and fighting for three country and freedom And any help they get is a step closer to defeating the evil Putin

[@Oscarcat2212]

1.05. Turkey lost a lot of Leopard tanks In Syria???

[@EireGenX]

I see Germany says it's going to be 3 to 4 months before they can supply the Tanks! I'd say it could be all over by then.

[@davidhouseman4328]

No chance of it being over by then, either way.

[@TheRealBillBob]

Six months until the US can send Abrams. That's if Ukraine has any men capable of fighting by then.

[@nhansemark]

1:16 USMC using Leopard 2, very sus :)

[@HollywoodMarine0351]

That was obviously an error. We (USMC) had Abrams, never Leopard 2’s.

[@landieman6044]

Been ex REME, who's going to fix these tanks, the logistics and expertise is immense, pack lifts, pack repair, final drive repair, suspension repair, not to mention the mental turrect electronics and weapon systems, is this something a random set of ukraine mechanics will learn overnight or have the tooling and spares to repair? How on gods earth are a bunch of ukraines with no prior Western tank experience going to support a minimum of 3 new modern tank variants, not to mention the other equipment types. Crazy Anyway I thought javelin was smashing tanks left right and centre

[@davidhouseman4328]

Existing tank crews are traveling to other countries for training, the tanks are being supplied with spares as well as logistical support. The missing point isn't so much the support side, it's the fact these tanks are still weeks or months away from actually fighting.

[@phillipearmstrong5510]

Yes! There's no cost of living crisis lol

[@Ashley-Paucek]

I think that increased military aid and economic support for Ukraine can save people in this war. Support Ukraine now! Vermont 💙💛 Ukraine

[@realhorrorshow8547]

Give them all the things. Their victory today spares our fight tomorrow.

[@shaddapforever]

Exactly! Any Russian tank you deal with today is one you dont have to deal with tomorrow.

[@bodyboardingchronicles602]

Every Town/Village/City in Ukraine should have at least 2 Battalion's of Tank Regiment operating in THEATER.

[@unclechico5981]

How are they going to pay for them?

[@TheRealBillBob]

Yeah because that's cheap. Go back to playing Call of Duty.

[@bodyboardingchronicles602]

@@TheRealBillBob I was speaking from operational experience. NATO has WARSTOCK all over the world. Just because I said TANK REGIMENT doesn't mean they have to Operate and Fight out of TANK. A Mechanized force or Light Infantry group could combat with tactics. High Tech VS. Low Tech solution's?

[@TheRealBillBob]

@@bodyboardingchronicles602 You are speaking from a desert doctrine against weak Muslim countries and militants, along with air supremacy. None of which those tanks will come across or have luxury of having.

[@rodrigogoncalves6165]

Turkey has also used them in Syria

[@verdebusterAP]

200 at most is what they need

[@TheRealBillBob]

200 is a battalion. That's not enough to do anything but be expensive target practice. This isn't the desert in Iraq where you were backed with air support.

[@tintinjailhouse1312]

And its 32 secs ago !!!!

[@damianousley8833]

As the man says their are only 2000 Leopard 2's in Europe, meaning about 1600 of the 3600 tank chassis are in countries outside of Europe. Unfortunately the production line for the Leopard was suspended in 1992. So to produce more Leopard 2's to replace losses in battle with "New off the production line" would be a hard ask in a short period of time. The Netherlands had 440 tanks but sold them off after the cold war and even didn't have armoured tank brigades at one stage. They now lease current upgraded Leopard 2's from Germany about 15. Turkey did loose a number of Leopard 2's when it went into Syria. The only fully operable production line for MBT's is the Lima tank factory tooled up for the Abrams. The costs to retool a production line for the Leopard 2 would cost money and time. Looks like the only replacement for MBT's in Ukraine may end up being the Abram's. The US has produced more than 10,000 of them. About 8000 or so in the USA.

[@AHalz]

Yeah, be prepared to be called a Russian bot for laying out the facts.

[@damianousley8833]

@Taxes, death and trouble. Any Ukrainian mass build of forces could be countered by a tactical nuclear strike. The Russians have been digging bunkers and other protective trench systems. These not only protect from conventional weapons but also tactical nukes. Escalation by tactical nuke could be very possible. That is why I personally believe there will be a negotiated settlement or outcome.

[@MichaelD796]

South Korea is producing new MBT's. Abrams hulls have not been produced since the nineties.

[@davidhouseman4328]

@@damianousley8833 Total dross, Germany are still building Leopard 2's

[@damianousley8833]

@David Houseman They only knock out some spares, engines, transmissions, some running gear, not the entire tank. Their ability is to do some upgrades with application of some turret armour, and that's about it. It has been 30 years since a completely new tank from ground up has been manufactured. All Germany has been doing is upgrading some application armour and weapons systems to the existing tank hulls and turrets. Much like Australia has done to its M113 armoured personal carriers of the Vietnam era which had aluminium chassis and bodywork which is still in almost mint condition after 50 tears. To build a new tank is to make the hull and turret and mount everything else on it. The Germans were talking about a replacement tank for the Leopard 2, and that's about all talking about it.

[@joaquimmanuelpereirafernan9655]

Leopard has been used by Turks and Ísis in Syria if you do not know it.

[@howelltaylor6774]

You conveniently left out Turkey in Syria! Now I wonder why? A lack of candor I think?

[@stevebucuris8420]

what did the Ukrainians do with everything already sent to them

[@williamsmith6]

Follow the money

[@rainiermoniz828]

The west ought to move faster.

[@jasonlawrence4617]

DUhh. do you realize the world is already sending the apcs and other combat vehicles to ukraine in numbers in the hundreds.

[@robertwilkinson2232]

Pie tins flying everywhere. Free the 🐆

[@lacdirk]

There are not 2000 working Leo 2 tanks in Europe. And the working ones are almost all part of the core militaries of their countries. There are maybe 500 Leo2 in storage. If 300 of those can be rebuilt to working order over the next 12 months, it will be close to a miracle. That is the spare capacity of Leo2 in Europe. While those are rebuilt, active units can be transferred, if NATO allows a temporary drop in military capabilities. It seems to have agreed to small drops, which is why each country aims to transfer about 14 tanks (a company). These tanks will all be used in the spring offensive, and most will be inoperable by the end of the year. But there will not be replacement Leo2. That is why M1 Abrams has always been essential to Ukraine's victory. It is the only NATO tank of which there are 3,500 SPARE units available. Germany was right to force M1 rollout to start. Otherwise Ukraine will simply be defeated next year.

[@johnnyenglish583]

So how many would you say are in working order right now across Europe?

[@lacdirk]

​@@johnnyenglish583 About 430 are officially in storage or in the process of being upgraded. Not all of them salvageable. Unofficially, more are "practically" in storage because Leopard 2 tanks are hard to keep at "operational ready" state. That includes most 2A4 type Spanish ones (~100) Rheinmetall (the manufacturer) thinks it can get the ones in its own storage (139) ready for the battlefield by 2024. It says that they need to be more or less rebuilt. Turkey and Greece will not release any of them. Switzerland is very unlikely to. So not counting the Turkish and Greek ones, there are a bit under 1700 Leo2 in NATO, including the stored ones and the Canadian ones. So I would estimate there are no more than 1,100 to 1,200 operational ones, of all types still in active duty. These are the core strength of most European militaries.

[@johnnyenglish583]

@@lacdirk thanks! I'm not sure if you've included the Polish Leos. There are about 250 of them. Most of them are in working order.

[@lacdirk]

@@johnnyenglish583 I did include them. They are going to be the backbone of the force repulsing Russia out of the Baltics, so they better be in working condition.

[@ThatCarGuy]

All of them lol

[@heybabycometobutthead]

Why don't we give them a couple dozen Tornado? They're unlikely to be sold off.

[@SuperEvilMonkee]

Cos they have all been scrapped?

[@heybabycometobutthead]

@@SuperEvilMonkee No, they have not been

[@SuperEvilMonkee]

@@heybabycometobutthead really? My 15 years in the RAF says otherwise

[@pennywise___]

So we have gone from helping Ukraine defend itself and regain its pre Feb 2022 border to retaking Crimea. That is some mission creep right there!!! It will be interesting to see how this ends, though we may not like it when we find out.

[@williamzk9083]

Russia had 11 months to back down. Note the 1994 Burdapest Agreement both Britain and US pledged to defend Ukraine borders. That promise can now be fulfilled with tanks. The war went from defending Ukraine to punishing and damaging Russia 6 months ago so much it would never dare invade again or be capable of that. Taking Crimea and Taking the Dinbass (which has Natural Gas that can replace Russia's supply) is essential. Now those tanks are needed because Ukraine can't survive taking blows without forever hitting back the bully in the face. Russia can survive but it must respect Ukraine 1994 borders. A few other states may leave the Russian Federation. Kadyrov will likely end up looking like the Chechian Mussolini hanging by his heals.

[@jasonlawrence4617]

This guy is either lost, or thinks everyones stupid. they already have everything except the tanks

[@damianousley8833]

One thing that concerns me is that any mass built up of Ukrainian forces could be countered by a tactical nuclear strike. Russia has far more tactical nuclear weapons in its arsenal and has a short range missile the Isklander with a range of 500km that could be fitted with a nuclear warhead. It looks more and more that a negotiated settlement will be the likely outcome in the current Russia Ukraine conflict.

[@fdk7014]

Putin is not going to use nukes

[@lacdirk]

Ukraine can not allow the annexation of Crimea, Kherson, Zhaporizhia, Donetsk or Luhansk to stand, as that just means that Russia will be back after rearming. So its prerequisite for a peace treaty is simple and concise: Russia leaves Ukrainian territory. But the current Russian regime shows no sign of accepting that, and as long as they do not, negotiations are more or less pointless.

[@TheBooban]

@@lacdirk those are Russians living in those regions. What’s Ukraine going to do with land full of Russians who don’t want to be a part of Ukraine? I know you didn’t want to hear that, but it’s the truth.

[@lacdirk]

@@TheBooban Russian-speaking Ukrainians, you mean? It doesn't work like that: Russia does not get to annex parts of the world where there are Russian-speaking minorities. While there are some people in those areas that might have supported Russian annexation, most of them didn't. Those that did support it will almost certainly leave, just like most Germans had to leave parts of Russia after WW2.

[@stevecrook5776]

NATO is playing a very dangerous game

[@dinoziemann8121]

The Nazis were defeated only after help from the United States and the United Kingdom, so we need to help Ukraine now. Ukraine will not be able to wage an effective war against the aggressor if it does not receive weapons from its allies. The war is no longer about Ukraine, it is an ideological war. This has not happened in Europe since the Second World War.

[@solarcell07]

Zelsky is become funnier then before..

[@Slycarlo]

Orc bot

[@lambertlum1087]

Zelensky is a comedian, but the butt of jokes is Putin.

[@solarcell07]

@@lambertlum1087 Zelsky just make that war even worse.. Then he doesn't realize if he was a puppet...

[@lambertlum1087]

@@solarcell07 The war is going quite well. Two major victories in Kharkiv and Kherson. Even if Bakhmut falls, Bakhmut is only a city of 70,000 compared to Kherson which is 290,000. With the new tanks, Ukraine will be ready for an offensive in Spring or Summer. A puppet? Like what Russians did to Eastern Europe in the aftermath of World War 2? The US created a free Europe. The Russians only created an enslaved Europe. That's why Europeans flock to NATO.

[@solarcell07]

@@lambertlum1087 no.. no.. Do not talk about the past. Just talk about what's happened now..

[@AHalz]

Let’s conveniently leave out the fact that Leapord 2 was used in Syria by Turkey and utterly destroyed by decades old Konkur missiles. Yeah, let’s leave out that part when asked about its combat track record. Lol

[@SuperEvilMonkee]

Old variant used badly without infantry. Tell me you know nothing about the military without telling me you know nothing about the military.......

[@shaddapforever]

If you look more closely you will find that the Turks had the same strategy as the Russians and sent in the tanks without proper infantry support. So just like those Russian tanks, they got shot to bits by people with Rpg's. A piece of equipment is only as good as its user. Thats why it is good to hear Ukraine asking and getting a lot of proper support vehicles.

[@AHalz]

@@SuperEvilMonkee I know a lot more than you realize. A4 variant has the same exact issue as most Russian tanks, where it has ammunition stored next to crew completely unprotected. Side armor is pathetically weak and can be penetrated by Konkur. With or without infantry this A4 variant is not a great tank

[@AHalz]

@@shaddapforever that wasn’t my point. They asked about the combat record of the Leapord 2. They conveniently leave this fact out but then speak about its very very limited use case in Iraq and Afghanistan. Leapord 2 biggest combat use to date was in Syria. This isn’t debatable. They leave this part out. Irregardless of how it was used properly or not, they pretend it didn’t happen, and leave out the fact that A4 variant can't mount side ERA, which would have actually helped protect it from ATGMs.

[@katepro5451]

Ukraine is winning and there is Nothing russia can do to prevent it . Glory to Heroes !

[@wendyharbon7290]

The question now is, what are the Western Nations, doing to deter Moscow from acting foolishly, over making these Nuclear Threats against the West? It would be interesting to know, what the likes of the British, or French Governments, let alone the Americans, or Nato politicians and military leaders. What is their thinking and planning here, or talks between themselves too, in case of a Nuclear exchange with Russia, by accident or by mistake, or a open deliberate act of Nuclear War by Russia too? Limited Conventional Responsible, destroying just the Russian nuclear warship or submarine, which fired a nuclear weapon only, Or just destroying a Russian Air Base or Russian Missile Silos, where the nuclear attack came from?? Or Nato launching a Limited Nuclear Responsible and Counter Attack against Russian Military targets, using a nuclear weapon or weapons. Say one Nato Tactile Nuclear Weapon, used or fired in response to a Russian Tactile Nuclear Weapon being fired and used? Or one Nato, or more likely one American Strategic Nuclear Missile used or fired in response to a Russian Strategic Nuclear Weapon being fired and used? Though if Putin’s Soviet Regime, actually launched Russian Strategic Nuclear Weapon, there would be a Squadron or Regiment of land based ICBM’s launched. Or a whole Russian Submarines SLBM’s, being launched against multiple western targets too So Nato Nuclear Response, in minutes, would need to be equally high, or all out Nuclear Response even too, so Russia cannot fire a second or third wave of ICBM’s against the West. Causing Mutual Agreed Destruction (MAD) on both sides, there is no half measures in Nuclear Warfare. That why we have not fought a Third World Nuclear War, since the Americans drop two nuclear weapons on Japan in 1945, the out come is too unthinkable or was to both Western and Russian Leadership. Though Putin’s Soviet Regime, is a different matter, they are foolish to start a Third World Nuclear War. Or just think they can get away, with threatening a Third World Nuclear War, to deter or stop Western Nations, over supporting Ukraine. We are getting nearer and nearer to the point, where Putin’s Soviet Regime feels it is forced, into using at least Tactical Nuclear Theatre Weapons in Ukraine. if not against western European and Nato Nations, who border Ukraine and are being used as a staging point for military aid going to Ukraine. 100’s of Leopards Tanks, being assembled and waiting for delivery over the border to Ukraine, would be such a target to Putin, or the Leopard Tank Factories in German would too! Even for one of these famous Russian Nuka in a Briefcase, they Russian came up with in the good old bad old days of the Last Cold War, With Russian Embassy intelligence officers, just smuggling one of these Nuka in a Briefcase via the diplomatic bag, right into a Western Capital City. Something Putin as a former KGB Colonel, would think of doing and ordering too, plus thinking he could deny responsibility for too, by saying or trying to blame middle east terrorists for the nuclear attack instead! That the problem here, while the Western Citizens don’t know are their political leaders upto the job too. After German Governments, side stepping the issue of Leopard Tanks to Ukraine, has weaken Nato and place Ukraine at more risk, far too long and unnecessarily too. You cannot fight, or support those fighting, half heartily, it gets more killed in the long run, you will find.

[@shades2.183]

You ok there? Grap another glass of wine and another two 3 valiums.

[@iamwedged2705]

Why is the Ukraine border more important than our own ?

[@MrLalilolaharper]

Cause after their border, yours could be next.

[@iamwedged2705]

@@MrLalilolaharper next ? We are being invaded now.

[@TheXiguazhi]

I mean the US has provided over 100 Bradley's. I think combined they have over 200 IFVs to go along with tanks

[@peter486]

sweden alone will send 90ish CV 90´s that the best APC light tanks n the world. if that's supported wtht German leopards that will Shread any Russian Line in 5 min. Also looking foward to se How the Swedish Archer preforms think thats the best Artillery system in the world :) Rissa ca call in a million men it wont matter

[@dwp912]

Germany has committed to sending 2 Battalions of Leopards…That’s 56-58 tanks per battalion so 112-116 total over time.

[@jinpingthebear110]

Bro...... Do some research for once in your life before posting random BS.

[@polarstorm5986]

Wrong. 14 tanks, two companys.

[@seemopps]

@@polarstorm5986 Yes but if given permission, Rheinmettal has said they are willing to send around 100 that they have in storage if Germany allows them

[@paulmcgee1867]

14 tanks, 2 troops?

[@jinpingthebear110]

@perplix those are Leopard 1s they were talking about and that's just something the company said. No one cares unless politics make it happen

[@Solder-of-Empire]

Send all your money to Zelenski family!!!

[@richbattaglia5350]

A helluva lot more than 40 tanks…

[@witness1013]

They are getting 88 tanks, total, and about 212 IFV's. So they can ask for whatever, but that's all they are getting

[@realtalk5329]

So Abrams are like the hummer of tanks. It's almost like the u.s. military industrial complex is in cahoots with the fossil fuel industry

[@redcat9436]

The Abrahms is the best MBT in the world.

[@guythatpaysforyourhandouts2478]

@@redcat9436 And its completely useless without fuel.

[@realtalk5329]

@@redcat9436 very wasteful. And needing twice the fuel is a big drawback

[@johnnyenglish583]

Are the Russians in cahoots with the fossil fuel industry, too? Because most of their T-80s also have a turbine.

[@realtalk5329]

@@johnnyenglish583 yes actually I could see that

[@RussTillling]

So succinct, so sensible, so why not move faster? I get the feeling that if it hadn't been for the Ukrainian fighting spirit, the orcs would be in Paris by now!

[@Silver_Prussian]

Dumb and cringe mate. Get a grip on reality