War in Ukraine - Too fat to fight
Since 2023, the Ukraine has received western main battle tanks (MBT) such as Leopard 2 (Germany), Abrams (USA), and Challenger 2 (United Kingdom). MBT models include Leopard 2, Leopard, Abrams, and Bradley for infantry fighting vehicles (IFV).
In battles, the strengths of Western weapons were evident, but they could not meet the expectations set in the offensive. This was due to the wrong concept of employment, lack of air support, and limited numbers. Additionally, they were originally designed for a different type of war.
Too heavy for Ukraine
"They are simply too heavy for Ukraine," says Dr. Jack Watling, a tank expert at the Royal United Services Institute for Defence and Security Studies (Rusi), as reported by the British "Sun." This opinion is shared by other experts. These tanks were built to defend Western Germany in the 1980s against a massive Soviet attack. A country with dry, firm terrain and a dense road network, specifically designed for heavy tanks at critical points. One can still see "forest roads" in large format in the Harz and the north German lowlands. Another often-forgotten factor is that the war in Ukraine and the survival time of a tank there is much longer than anticipated during the predicted "Clash of the Titans" between NATO and the Warsaw Pact.
Built for another war
The vision of a massive tank battle had far-reaching consequences for tank design. NATO tanks were not developed for offensive operations over hundreds of kilometers, as was known from the offensives of World War II. They were primarily designed for defensive purposes. They were supposed to act as "tank destroyers" and destroy as many Russian tanks as possible before being knocked out themselves. Such a loss seemed inevitable. Tanks like the Leopard 2 were expected to face hundreds, if not thousands, of T-72s. This scenario influenced every detail. The main weapon was capable of firing from an improvised, fortified position. Great importance was placed on all-around vision and a reverse gear, allowing for maneuverability without exposing the vulnerable rear to the enemy.
These characteristics still benefit the Leopard 2 today. However, another feature is less advantageous: The armor was emphasized, and the tanks became heavier. In a retreating defensive battle, extensive maneuvering was not planned.
While the crew today benefits from many protective features such as blowouts, armored ammunition compartments, and the high precision of the cannon and target acquisition, the high weight has become a problem. All three Western tanks weigh around 70 tons. To survive in Ukraine, the tanks were further equipped. With cages against drones, reactive armor, etc. Measures that further increase the weight. Adding an active protection system would increase the tank's weight by an additional three tons – at the least favorable location, on top of the turret.
Challenger 2 sank into the ground
The Russian tanks, with all their flaws, have a base weight that is 50 tons lighter. The enormous weight of Western tanks reduces speed and climbing ability, increases wear and tear in general, and cannot be supported by every bridge and terrain. An extreme example of this was experienced by the "Sun" team last year on a Ukrainian military training ground. In front of their eyes, a Challenger 2 literally sank into the ground. A unique feature of Ukraine, beneath the seemingly solid ground surface, a mire and water bladder had formed.
Overweight has serious consequences. The Russians know in advance on which routes these tanks can move at all and on which they cannot. Therefore, the "maneuver space" shrinks much more than one could imagine, according to expert Watling. He assumes that the weight increase is not worth the "extra protection." Even if the tank does not explode upon impact, it will still be so damaged that it cannot continue. It's just a matter of time before it is completely shut down. However, with a surviving crew. In Watling's opinion, the optimal zone of protection, mobility, and firepower is around 55 tons.
Different Role of Tanks
In reality, the role of the combat tank in Ukraine has developed differently than expected. Rarely does a tank-on-tank engagement or tank battle take place. Instead, combat tanks are primarily used to provide cover for infantry trying to cross no man's land. Typically, the role is that of a "sniper tank," where combat tanks lie in wait in a hidden position until a target is detected by a drone, which is then engaged from a distance.
Overall, armored fighting vehicles seem to have fared better. Marder and Bradley weigh around 35 tons and are therefore more mobile and less restricted by the terrain. Their machine guns were not developed for tank combat, but their high rate of fire can effectively support infantry. The Bushmaster-MK can even take on a Russian T-90 combat tank. At least on short ranges. If the armored fighting vehicle reaches a firing position first, the Bushmaster's projectile shrapnel and sensors of a combat tank are destroyed. However, the picture changes on long ranges.
Losing Weight, But How
What lessons can be learned from the fighting? Fundamentally, the importance of weight has been recognized in the West as well. The possibilities for reducing it are limited. This is also because the next generations still rely on the chassis of the Cold War. With the use of an unmanned turret, one hopes to save significantly on weight. The talk is of up to ten tons. At the same time, active protection systems and a second autonomous weapons station will increase the weight again. However, the terrain in Ukraine with its long mud periods poses a unique challenge that does not occur in other regions.
Sources: The Sun, Telegraph
- Despite the effectiveness of Western main battle tanks in combat, their heavy weight, originally designed for defending Western Germany against the Warsaw Pact during the Cold War, poses challenges in the terrain of Ukraine. (引用文本中的句子)
- In Ukraine, the Challenger 2 tank's enormous weight led it to literally sink into the ground due to a mire and water bladder beneath the surface, highlighting the serious consequences of being overweight in the conflict. (引用文本中的句子)
- The role of combat tanks in Ukraine has shifted from anticipated tank-on-tank engagements to primarily providing cover for infantry and acting as "sniper tanks," necessitating rethinking the balance between protection, mobility, and weight in tank design. (引用文本中的句子)
tanks, Ukraine, weight, Western, Challenger 2, mire, role, combat, terrain, armored fighting vehicles, infantry, cover, Cold War, active protection systems, unmanned turret, balance.
