Rheinmetall shows tank based on Leopard 1 to be ordered for Ukrainian army
Illustrative image (Getty Images)
On September 18, 2024, the German defense concern Rheinmetall held the Skyranger System Demonstration 2024 event. During the event, an anti-aircraft tank based on the Leopard 1 was demonstrated, which was equipped with the Skyranger 35 35 mm caliber gun, according to ZBiAM.
Representatives of the Ukrainian Armed Forces and defense industry from 26 countries attended the demonstration. The first demonstration of the Skyranger 35 firing test on Leopard 1 was not as successful as expected, as one of the control panel units failed.
After replacing the unit, which lasted for a day, firing was demonstrated the next day.
Photo: Rheinmetall showed a tank based on Leopard 1, it is planned to be ordered for the Armed Forces of Ukraine (zbiam.pl)
Photo: Rheinmetall showed a tank based on Leopard 1, it is planned to be ordered for the Armed Forces of Ukraine (zbiam.pl)
The chassis of the Leopard 1A5BE was used in the construction of the tank. The turret is unmanned and can hold 252 rounds of ammunition. The effective range of fire is 4 kilometers.
According to a Rheinmetall spokesperson, the tank was built to show that the Skyranger 35 module can be adapted to different types of chassis. The concern expects to order at least 10 units of such tanks for the Ukrainian Defense Forces, but the development is also aimed at selling to other potentially interested countries.
Rheinmetall
Rheinmetall is one of Germany's leading defense and automotive companies. The company was founded in 1889 and for more than a century of its existence has established itself as a reliable supplier of weapons, military equipment, and technologies. Rheinmetall specializes in the development and production of various systems, including armored vehicles, artillery systems, ammunition, and communications.
In mid-June, the first armored vehicle repair and production shop in Ukraine was launched as part of a joint venture between Ukrainian Ukroboronprom and Rheinmetall.
