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.
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.
![A young girl walks though an area destroyed by bombs](https://images.pastchronicle.com/2024/07/9abbbf40-war-torn-city.jpg)
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.
![A photograph of a shipping container yard](https://images.pastchronicle.com/2024/06/8d798f88-img37.jpg)
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.
![man holding a gun with bump stock](https://images.pastchronicle.com/2024/06/907a1a24-screenshot-2024-06-14-184944.jpg)
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.
![A small German flag on a stick against a black background](https://images.pastchronicle.com/2024/04/32714423-screenshot-2024-04-23-154555.jpg)
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.
![A CGI rendering of a "Frankenstein" tank on a dirt road](https://images.pastchronicle.com/2024/06/554605a5-frankenstein-tank.jpeg)
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.
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.
![Gray Dji Mavic Drone](https://images.pastchronicle.com/2024/06/ef7b2e8f-gray-dji-mavic-drone.jpeg)
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.
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).
![The Leopard 1 prototype at Bovington Tank Museum](https://images.pastchronicle.com/2024/06/eb74e0a9-leopard-1-prototype.jpg)
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.
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.
![An image of a woman using a laptop in a warehouse.](https://images.pastchronicle.com/2024/05/6603c989-screenshot-2024-05-01-at-16.50.02.jpeg)
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.
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.
![The picture shows a Vorserienpanzer Leopard 1. It is located in the Gelände des Panzermuseums in Munster.](https://images.pastchronicle.com/2024/06/879ababd-leopard-1.jpg)
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.
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.
![Scientist left shocked after receiving unsettling results](https://images.pastchronicle.com/2024/07/8e8b1e09-img48.jpg)
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.
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.
![Brazilian MBT Leopard 1A1](https://images.pastchronicle.com/2024/06/1b7311d6-leopard-1.jpg)
Source: Wikimedia Commons
The well-tested chassis boasts significant off-road capabilities, which are ideal for Ukraine’s terrain.
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.
![On 4 June 2018 Rheinmetall announced that at Eurosatory 2018 the company would show a Boxer fitted with the Oerlikon Skyranger air defence system.](https://images.pastchronicle.com/2024/06/8117914a-skyranger-35.jpg)
Source: Wikimedia Commons
The 35mm autocannon can destroy incoming drones before they inflict damage.
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.
![three machine guns](https://images.pastchronicle.com/2024/06/c8c74256-idf-machineguns-67.jpg)
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.
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.
![A soldier in cameo typing on a laptop in a tent](https://images.pastchronicle.com/2024/06/8e802c92-cyber-operations.jpeg)
Source: CPL Amanda McErlich
Protecting the soldiers against vicious drone attacks could play a pivotal role in reshaping the outcome of the war.
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.
![Ukraine To Get German-Made ‘Frankenstein’ Tank](https://images.pastchronicle.com/2024/06/bb27e8f4-frankenstein-tank.jpg)
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.
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.
![Man Wearing Orange Hard Hat](https://images.pastchronicle.com/2024/06/bf2cbd23-man-wearing-orange-hard-hat.jpeg)
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.
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.
![Ukrainian T-72AV with a white cross during the 2022 Ukrainian Kharkiv counteroffensive](https://images.pastchronicle.com/2024/06/4c405722-tank.jpg)
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.”
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.
![A black and white photo of U.S. soldiers sitting on a tank during World War II.](https://images.pastchronicle.com/2024/03/29623835-screenshot-2024-03-26-230851.jpg)
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.
The Creation of the “FrankenSAMs”
The defense company known for its innovative weaponry has also made modifications to other Soviet-era air defense vehicles.
![A group of Ukraine soldiers riding on a tank to the front lines](https://images.pastchronicle.com/2024/06/e587b661-ukraine-tanks.jpg)
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.
Strengthening the Ukrainian Forces
Ukraine continues to seek support to counter Russian drone attacks, which are targeting critical infrastructure in the country.
![President Volodymyr Zelensky met with the Prime Minister of the Netherlands Mark Rutte, in the Mariinskyi Palace, Kyiv on February 2, 2022.](https://images.pastchronicle.com/2024/06/e612fa09-volodymyr.jpg)
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.
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.
![The memorial cemetery at Monte Cassino, Italy](https://images.pastchronicle.com/2024/05/6a820ccd-img49.jpg)
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.”
Putin Demands Ukrainian Forces Leave Certain Regions
Putin went on to reiterate his previous demand that Ukraine’s forces must withdraw from several regions.
![Vladimir Putin wearing a suit and speaking in front of two microphones.](https://images.pastchronicle.com/2024/02/59e10d99-untitled-design-19-min.png)
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.
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.
![President Volodymyr Zelensky met with the Prime Minister of the Netherlands Mark Rutte, in the Mariinskyi Palace, Kyiv on February 2, 2022.](https://images.pastchronicle.com/2024/06/e612fa09-volodymyr.jpg)
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.