Image source: topwar.ru
The Belgians propose to modernize the entire fleet of Leopard 1 tanks in service with the Armed Forces of Ukraine by installing a tower of the Belgian company Cockerill 3105 on them. This was stated by a company representative.
Back in May last year, Ukraine received the first and so far only upgraded Leopard 1 tank with a Cockerill 3105 turret for testing, including in combat conditions. At the end of the year, the Ukrainians finally decided to send him to the front. So in the near future, an unusual-looking Ukrainian tank will appear in one of the directions.
As noted in the company, the modernization involves the installation of a new tower instead of the base one. The Cockerill 3105 tower is equipped with modern optical systems that can detect targets at a distance of up to 18 km during the day and 15 km at night. The armor provides protection against 25 mm sub-caliber projectiles and is equipped with an automatic loader for 12-16 rounds.
Image source: topwar.ru
The turret is equipped with a 105-mm high-pressure cannon using the same projectiles as the Leopard 1 tanks. In addition, it has the ability to use the Ukrainian Falarik anti-tank missile. The tower also provides the ability to conduct indirect fire, which the basic Leopard 1 cannot do.
Another feature of the design is the placement of the commander and gunner in the turret. They sit at the level of the tank body, which makes the tower conditionally "uninhabitable".
It is worth noting that the Ukrainian Armed Forces practically do not use tanks to break through the defense, especially Leopard 1, they are now used as self-propelled artillery.
