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.
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.
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
“Many Leopard 1 tanks are still available,” said Bjorn Bernhard, head of land systems at Rheinmetall, suggesting there could be more of the “Frankenstein” tanks in the works (via Newsweek).
Source: Wikimedia Commons
“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,”
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. Serving as the main battle tank in over a dozen countries worldwide, this fairly quick and nimble tank is a powerful force.
Source: Wikimedia Commons
Its powerful engine propels the 42-ton tank to speeds exceeding 40 mph, keeping pace with advancing troops on the front lines.
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.
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. The 35mm autocannon can destroy incoming drones before they inflict damage.
Source: Wikimedia Commons
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.
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.
Source: CPL Amanda McErlich
Ukraine’s army has already received nearly 100 Leopards and 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.
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
“We are planning for the long term in Ukraine,” Bernhard said. “We’re not just supplying equipment and then withdrawing–we’re showing that we’ll be there permanently and supporting Ukraine.”
Source: Wikimedia Commons
By repairing and upgrading older tanks, the company can help Ukraine adapt quickly to the modern technology that 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.
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.
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.
