According to some Ukrainian sources, the first Belgian Leopard 1A5BE tanks have arrived in Ukraine. This speculation is based on the video, but remains hypothetical as there is no official confirmation from Belgian or Ukrainian authorities.
Let’s now delve into the distinct visual attributes that distinguish the Leopard 1A5BE, formerly part of the Belgian Army, from other variants of this tank.
The Belgian Leopard 1A5BE in particular distinguishes itself from other tanks by boasting a cast turret and no additional armor protection. Additionally, the obvious gunner’s sight housing is another unique feature related to the deployment of a different fire control system compared to other Leopard 1A5 models.
unknown buyer
Let’s go back to the announcement made in August 2023. It was implied that an anonymous buyer would procure his 50 pieces. “Golden” Leopard 1 tank for Ukraine developed by a private Belgian company known as OIP Systems. Details regarding the contract amount and delivery date remain shrouded in mystery. However, a story involving a potential Belgian “Golden” It seems that Leopard 1 for the military ended there, as no further information appeared in our public domain.
Fast forward to January 2024, and our public sphere was treated to images that suggested the following possibilities. [or even more] Leopard 1A5BE tanks are in the hands of the Armed Forces of Ukraine, actively participating in the repulsion of Russian military efforts.
In any case, the distinctive shape of the turret sight housing on this Leopard 1A5 indicates that it is a BE type. By this logic, we can infer that there may be multiple Belgian Leopard 1A5BE tanks in current ownership. Even if it is a tank primarily used in drive-and-shoot situations, the concept of him carrying just one slightly unconventional armament makes no operational sense. War of style.
It’s not the first time
Although the delivery of Belgian Leopard 1A5BE to Ukraine has not yet been officially verified, it is not the first time that important equipment from Belgium is delivered to our armed forces, and in many cases intermediate personnel are involved. is noteworthy.
In the summer of 2022, Britain took the initiative to acquire approximately 20 M109A4BE self-propelled artillery units from a private Belgian company. Not stopping there, he continued to refine these units to his specifications at his own expense before handing them over to the brave garrisons.
Unique Leopard 1D5BE
The Leopard 1A5BE is a Belgian variant of the Leopard 1 tank that is in a class of its own. Belgium took the superior design of the German main battle tank and adapted it to its own needs. After all, the “BE” in its nickname stands for “Belgian Edition.”
First of all, the Leopard 1A5BE goes beyond the norm with its unique fire control system. Manufactured by He SABCA in Belgium, it is very different from the standard German He EMES 18 system that graces most Leopard 18s. What are the benefits of this cutting-edge technology? Superior aiming accuracy, faster reaction times and an undeniable advantage in combat situations.
Equipped with a passive thermal imaging system, the Leopard 1A5BE stands out above the rest. This technology allows operators to easily detect and identify targets much more effectively than other Leopard 1 variants, even in difficult conditions such as at night or in foggy conditions.
And then we arrive at its unique aesthetic. Instead of the standard three-tone “NATO” camouflage, the Leopard 1A5BE boasts a jigsaw-like pattern. Uniquely suited to blend into the Belgian terrain, it provides an additional layer of protection and sets a new standard in stealth.
Different storage arrangements add even more versatility to the Leopard 1A5BE. Unlike other Leopard 1 tanks, this variant has a large storage box at the rear of the turret. This additional room means more supplies can be stored, extending the operational life of the tank in the field.
Last, but by no means least, the Leopard 1A5BE exhibits a highly efficient exhaust smoke system. This feature further increases the tank’s survivability on the battlefield by creating a smoke screen that hides the tank from enemy view. Similar systems exist in other his Leopard 1 models, but none come close to the advanced and effective system displayed on the Belgian version.
Belgium replaced Brazil
KNDS, the regional branch of the Belgian government tasked with supplying the Leopard 1 with 105 mm tank ammunition, received a large order from Ukraine. The requested inventory, amounting to several thousand rounds, ideally should have been met by now.
This scenario provides an inside look at the challenges faced by the Leopard 1A5/A5DK designated for Ukraine, primarily the apparent lack of ammunition. One of the solutions proposed to overcome this was to source reserves from Brazil.
However, Brazil, one of the last few countries still using these tanks, withheld ammunition supplies to Ukraine. This action ultimately led to a blockade by Germany of items produced in Brazil’s Iveco DV – KTO Guarani division.
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