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 (UK). 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 failed to meet the expectations set in the offensive. This was due to the incorrect deployment concept, lack of air support, and limited numbers. However, it was also due to the fact that NATO tanks 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, and the British "Sun." This opinion is shared by other experts. They 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. Today, one can still see "forest roads" in the Harz and northern German lowlands in XXL format. Additionally, a factor often forgotten today 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 were supposed 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 characteristic 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 targeting system, 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 weight. If an active protection system were added, the weight of the tank would increase 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 immense 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 cover, a mud 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. This significantly reduces the "maneuvering space" more than one can 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 damaged to the point where 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. Tank-on-tank battles, let alone tank wars, are rare. Tanks are mainly used directly at the contact line to provide cover for the infantry trying to cross no man's land. The typical 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 at close range. If the armored fighting vehicle reaches a firing position first, the Bushmaster's projectile shrapnel and sensors destroy the combat tank's optics and add-ons. However, the picture is different at long range.
Losing Weight, But How
What lessons can be learned from the battles for the future? Fundamentally, the importance of weight has been recognized in the West as well. The possibilities for reducing it are limited. This is also due to the fact that 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 seasons poses a unique challenge, which does not occur in other regions.
Sources: The Sun, Telegraph
- The design of NATO tanks during the Cold War era, such as the Leopard 2 and Challenger 2, was heavily influenced by the Warsaw Pact's massive tank forces and the expectation of battlefield scenarios from the Second World War.
- In contrast to the heavy Western battle tanks, Russian tanks used in the conflict in Ukraine have a lower base weight, which allows them to move more freely and navigate difficult terrains.
- Due to their high weight, Western main battle tanks like the Leopard 2 and Challenger 2 are at a disadvantage in the Ukrainian terrain, experiencing reduced speed, increased wear and tear, and limitations in maneuverability, especially when crossing bridges or driving off-road.
