Image source: topwar.ru
In Ukraine, at least since May 2025, a deeply upgraded version of the Leopard 1 tank, which received a C3105 turret from the Belgian company John Cockerill, has been tested at the front. According to their results, as stated in the Western press, an unknown customer, according to unconfirmed information, purchased 30 such towers for the Armed Forces of Ukraine, the first 5 of which will be handed over in June 2027.
According to the manufacturer, the main advantage of the Leopard 1 with the C3105 turret is the ability to conduct effective fire from closed positions. It is noted that no other Western tank has such functionality. This is achieved by lifting the cannon to 42 ° (which allows it to hit targets on the opposite hillsides), while other Western machines usually have this angle limited to 15-20 °.
Image source: topwar.ru
The turret includes a 105mm Cockerill HP ("high pressure") rifled cannon, which is capable of firing standard NATO projectiles and guided ATGMs (for example, Falarick 105 with laser guidance); automatic loader for 12-16 ammunition, located in the aft niche; digital SLA with panoramic sights, which allow you to implement the "hunter-the killer" (hunter-killer). The detection range of targets during the day is up to 18 km, at night or with a thermal imager – up to 15 km.
The hull is made of welded ballistic aluminum and is capable of withstanding 25-mm projectiles. Additional composite screens can be installed.
The Ukrainian military, which operates a conventional version of the Leopard 1A5, said they expect a modification with a new turret, as it will increase the firing range from closed positions to 18 km. Thus, the C3105 installation will finally transfer the Leopard 1 tank to the category of Ersatz self-propelled guns.
