Ukraine Set to Receive Cutting-Edge ‘Frankenstein’ Tank From Western Allies

By: Ben Campbell | Last updated: Jul 07, 2024

Ukraine announces that it will receive a new “Frankenstein” air defense tank to aid in its efforts against Russia in the Russo-Ukrainian War. This new tank is designed to shoot down Russian drones and missiles.

Rheinmetall, the leading German arms firm, will supply the “Frankenstein” tanks to Ukraine, helping to bolster its defenses.

The War in Ukraine

It’s been over two years since Russia invaded Ukraine, an event that transpired following the escalation of war that’s been occurring between the two nations since 2014. 

Advertisement
A young girl walks though an area destroyed by bombs

Source: Jordy Meow/Unsplash

Putin’s invasion of Ukraine is the largest attack on a European nation since World War II. Many have deemed the Russian actions as an unwarranted act of pure aggression, leading to an outcry from the international community. 

European Aid in Ukraine

In response to the attack, European nations have come together to provide vital funding for the Ukrainian government, all of which has gone towards financial, military, humanitarian, and refugee assistance. 

Advertisement
A photograph of a shipping container yard

Source: Wikimedia

According to the European Union and its 27 member states,  they have already sent over $110 billion in aid and will supply a further $45 billion over the next few years to help rebuild the nation. 

Weapons and Goods From the West

Several nations within the EU, as well as the United States and the United Kingdom, have supplied Ukraine with advanced weaponry in an attempt to help its frontline forces.

Advertisement
man holding a gun with bump stock

Source: Mog7546, X

According to the UK’s House of Commons, they’ve supplied Ukraine with “both lethal and non-lethal weaponry and equipment, including tanks, air defense systems and long-range precision strike missiles.”

German Defense Company Supplies Ukraine with Tanks

Germany, a European nation with one of the largest GDPs in the world, has also supplied Ukraine with a significant amount of weapons, including thousands of Panzerfaust 3s for defense against tanks. 

Advertisement
A small German flag on a stick against a black background

Source: Freepik

More recently, the German defense company Rheinmetall announced its plan to provide Ukraine with “Frankenstein” tanks. 

What Are the “Frankenstein” Tanks

The “Frankenstein” air defense tank merges the proven capabilities of a Cold War-era tank chassis with an advanced anti-aircraft system.

Advertisement
A CGI rendering of a "Frankenstein" tank on a dirt road

Source: Rheinmetall

The company behind the tank plans to mount a Skyranger turret, equipped with a powerful 35mm automatic cannon, onto a Leopard 1 chassis.

Advertisement

Defense Against Drone Swarms

The weapon systems will be capable of dealing with the short-range threats that Ukraine faces on an almost daily basis. These threats include drone swarms and artillery fire.

Advertisement
Gray Dji Mavic Drone

Source: Suliman Sallehi/Pexels

Due to the frequency of these threats, the need for a state-of-the-art tank to protect the front line in Ukraine is essential in what has been called the first drone war.

Advertisement

Leopard 1 Tanks Are Widely Available

Bjorn Bernhard, head of land systems at Rheinmetall, explained there could be more of the “Frankenstein” tanks in the works (via Newsweek).

Advertisement
The Leopard 1 prototype at Bovington Tank Museum

Source: Wikimedia Commons

“Many Leopard 1 tanks are still available,” he said, alleging that his company could produce a significant number of the modified tanks. 

Advertisement

Many Tanks in Storage

According to Bernhard, there was no shortage of the available Leopard 1 tanks in storage, all of which could be converted into the Frankenstein model and shipped to Ukraine to help in their war against Russia. 

Advertisement
An image of a woman using a laptop in a warehouse.

Source: Wikimedia

“There are still many Leopard 1 main battle tanks on whose chassis we could mount the Skyranger turret with the 35 mm caliber automatic cannon,” he said

Advertisement

The Leopard 1 Was Once the Best War Tank

Developed in the 1960s, the Leopard 1 became the standard for many European militaries during the Cold War

Advertisement
The picture shows a Vorserienpanzer Leopard 1. It is located in the Gelände des Panzermuseums in Munster.

Source: Wikimedia Commons

Serving as the main battle tank in over a dozen countries worldwide, this fairly quick and nimble tank is a powerful force.

Advertisement

Specs of the Impressive Tank

The Leopard 1 comes equipped with a powerful engine that propels the 42-ton tank to speeds exceeding 40 mph, keeping pace with advancing troops on the front lines.

Advertisement
Scientist left shocked after receiving unsettling results

Source: Wikimedia

An influx of these tanks could drastically change the outcome of the war and place the Ukrainians in a position to reclaim all of their territory and possibly end the conflict. 

Advertisement

Repurposing the Tanks

Despite Germany no longer using the Cold War-era Leopard 1, Rheinmetall has repurposed the significant number of tanks remaining in storage into a modern-day configuration.

Advertisement
Brazilian MBT Leopard 1A1

Source: Wikimedia Commons

The well-tested chassis boasts significant off-road capabilities, which are ideal for Ukraine’s terrain.

Advertisement

Upgrading the Weaponry of the Tanks

While the upgraded Leopard provides a low profile that offers some protection against enemy fire, the Skyranger system gives the tank additional muscle. 

Advertisement
On 4 June 2018 Rheinmetall announced that at Eurosatory 2018 the company would show a Boxer fitted with the Oerlikon Skyranger air defence system.

Source: Wikimedia Commons

The 35mm autocannon can destroy incoming drones before they inflict damage.

Advertisement

Advanced Turrets of the Tank

The advanced turret features a sophisticated radar that can make a 360-degree turn, allowing Ukrainian forces to detect and track incoming threats with better precision than ever before.

Advertisement
three machine guns

Source: MathKnight and Zachi Evenor, Wikimedia

With such an advanced form of weaponry on the battlefield, hundreds, if not thousands, of Ukraine’s lives may be saved.

Advertisement

A Deadly Duo

According to Rheinmetall, the combination of the Leopard 1 and the Skyranger system gives Ukraine the ability to deploy a highly effective defense against the Russian drones that are swarming and damaging their infrastructure.

Advertisement
A soldier in cameo typing on a laptop in a tent

Source: CPL Amanda McErlich

Protecting the soldiers against vicious drone attacks could play a pivotal role in reshaping the outcome of the war. 

Advertisement

Ukraine Receives the First Batch of Frankenstein Tanks

Ukraine’s army has already received nearly 100 Leopards, and many are already deployed on the battlefield. 

Advertisement
Ukraine To Get German-Made ‘Frankenstein’ Tank

Source: Rheinmetall

The nation continues to seek additional support to defend against Russia and its drone attacks, which have targeted critical infrastructure in recent months.

Advertisement

The Tanks Are Being Developed in Ukraine

The company is developing these tanks at a top-secret workshop in western Ukraine, where it repairs German-made tanks damaged on the front.

Advertisement
Man Wearing Orange Hard Hat

Source: Kateryna Babaieva/Pexels

By repairing the vehicles in Ukraine, Rheinmetall hopes to reduce the time it takes to get the tanks back into action.

Advertisement

From Shop to the Front Lines

Speaking on his company’s long-term plans with Ukraine, Bernhard explains that they will be here to support the nation throughout the war. 

Advertisement
Ukrainian T-72AV with a white cross during the 2022 Ukrainian Kharkiv counteroffensive

Source: Wikimedia Commons

“We are planning for the long term in Ukraine,” he said. “We’re not just supplying equipment and then withdrawing–we’re showing that we’ll be there permanently and supporting Ukraine.”

Advertisement

Benefits of Using the Older Tanks

According to experts, there are several benefits of repairing the older Leopard 1 tanks, which could play a significant role in Ukraine’s war efforts. 

Advertisement
A black and white photo of U.S. soldiers sitting on a tank during World War II.

Source: Public Domain/Wikimedia Commons

By repairing and upgrading older tanks, the company can help Ukraine adapt quickly to modern technology, which is pushing back the front line.

Advertisement

The Creation of the “FrankenSAMs”

The defense company known for its innovative weaponry has also made modifications to other Soviet-era air defense vehicles.

Advertisement
A group of Ukraine soldiers riding on a tank to the front lines

Source: Ministry of Defense of Ukraine/Wikimedia Commons

These modifications allow the vehicles to fire Western missiles, creating “FrankenSAMs” that are effective against drone attacks.

Advertisement

Strengthening the Ukrainian Forces 

Ukraine continues to seek support to counter Russian drone attacks, which are targeting critical infrastructure in the country.

Advertisement
President Volodymyr Zelensky met with the Prime Minister of the Netherlands Mark Rutte, in the Mariinskyi Palace, Kyiv on February 2, 2022.

Source: President of Ukraine/Wikimedia Commons

Last week, Ukrainian President Volodymyr Zelensky made a 10-year agreement with the US. The deal promises to provide Kyiv with long-term military assistance.

Advertisement

No Ceasefire or Truce

Despite the hopes of the international community, it doesn’t appear that the war will end with a truce or ceasefire, according to recent comments made by Putin. 

Advertisement
The memorial cemetery at Monte Cassino, Italy

Source: Wikipedia

During a recent statement, the Russian leader revealed Moscow supports “a complete and final end” to the Ukraine conflict rather than “some kind of truce or cease-fire.”

Advertisement

Putin Demands Ukrainian Forces Leave Certain Regions

Putin went on to reiterate his previous demand that Ukraine’s forces must withdraw from several regions. 

Advertisement
Vladimir Putin wearing a suit and speaking in front of two microphones.

kremlin.ru/Wikimedia Commons

“Russia is committed to the complete and definitive resolution of the conflict. The conditions for this are outlined in my speech (to the Foreign Ministry) – the withdrawal of all troops from the Donetsk, Luhansk, Kherson, and Zaporizhzhia regions. There are other conditions that are subject to consideration in the course of possible joint work,” he noted.

Advertisement

Zelenskyy Comes Up With Plan

Ukraine’s President Volodymyr Zelenskyy is currently drafting a plan of his own, which details how the war with Russia should end. 

Advertisement
President Volodymyr Zelensky met with the Prime Minister of the Netherlands Mark Rutte, in the Mariinskyi Palace, Kyiv on February 2, 2022.

Source: President of Ukraine/Wikimedia Commons

“It is very important for us to show a plan to end the war that will be supported by the majority of the world,” the Ukrainian president said at a news conference in Kyiv.

Advertisement