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

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.

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. 

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. 

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.

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. 

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

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.

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

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. 

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

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.

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.

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

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.

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.

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

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

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

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. 

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

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

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. 

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

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