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The Guardian - UK
The Guardian - UK
World
Peter Beaumont

Leopard 2 tanks: what are they and why does Ukraine want them?

Ukraine Germany Europe Kyiv
A Leopard 2A6 tank during a training exercise in Grafenwoehr, near Eschenbach, Germany
A Leopard 2A6 tank during a training exercise in Grafenwoehr, near Eschenbach, Germany Photograph: Christof Stache/AFP/Getty Images

What is the Leopard 2?

The Leopard 2 is a German-manufactured main battle tank with a range of about 500km (311 miles). It first came into service in 1979 and has a top speed of 68km/h (42mph). Equipped with a 120mm smooth bore gun as its main armament, it is also armed with two coaxial light machine guns.

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