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Yet, the intensity of recent conflicts, in Afghanistan, Iraq
and Lebanon reestablished the validity of the tank as a highly
protected, powerful and effective operational asset, which,
at certain high threat scenarios, cannot be matched by more
lightly armored wheeled vehicles. When employed in the proper
manner, heavily protected tanks can survive most types of anti-armor
and anti-material improvised explosive devices (IEDs), including
shaped charge IEDs and landmines. They also offer unique capabilities
of cross country mobility and counter-obstacle capability that
cannot be matched by lighter armored vehicles. The Leopard 2
tanks will provide better protection against IEDs and landmines,
compared to the currently deployed Leopard 1C2.
Seeking a solution to renovate its heavy armor, Canada considered
several options. The most obvious was to upgrade and refurbish
the existing Leopard 1C2 tanks. However, this option was ruled
out as the maintenance of these 30 year old behemoths has become
too expensive and their future is doomed anyhow – by 2012
– 2015 the Leopard 1 is expected to become obsolete by
western standards.
Procurement of new production tanks was also considered, but
due to the limited production capacities maintained by western
producers, such tanks could be guaranteed only in several years
time. Furthermore, the cost of surplus equipment is significantly
lower than that of brand new equipment. For comparison, Australia
recently bought 66 M-1A1/M88 tanks and support equipment (trucks,
transporters and trainers) for A$500 (US$416 million.) Canada
acquired 100 surplus Leopard 2 A5 and A6 tanks from the Netherlands
at a cost of C$650 million ($574 million). Further 20 combat-ready
Leopard 2A6 main battle tanks are to be 'borrowed' from Germany,
to replace currently deployed Leopard 1C2 tanks before the summer.
These Leos proved to be inadequate for the Afghan summer, as
the temperature inside the fighting compartment rose to intolerable
levels, due to lack of efficient air conditioning, and excessive
heat generated by the hydraulic turret control and engine. The
German tanks are fitted with electric turret drive, and will
be fitted with air conditioning equipment once they arrive at
Kandahar. These tanks are also fitted with an improved main
gun and ammunition, designed to operate in extreme climatic
conditions. Prior to deployment to Afghanistan, the tanks will
be fitted with belly plates and blast-resistant seats to improve
protection for the crew. Surplus Leopard 2 tanks, particularly
German Leopard 2A4s have been acquired by a number of nations
in recent years, and successfully inducted into several armies
including Poland, Singapore, Turkey and Greece.
Once all new Leopard 2s are operational, the Canadian Army
plans to maintain two combat-ready squadrons of Dutch surplus
Leopard 2A6/NL, equipped with about 20 tanks each, rotating
through operational duties and depot maintenance, repairs and
overhaul. Two training squadrons fielding Dutch surplus Leopard
2A4s will be used for training in Canada. The remaining 20 tanks
will be utilized as combat support platforms, including Armored
Recovery Vehicles (ARV), Armored Bridge-Laying Vehicles and
Armored Combat Engineering Vehicles (tanks fitted with dozer
blades, mine ploughs, excavator etc.) Once the tanks arrive
in Canada, the Army will seek commercial service providers for
long-term support of the fleet, including upgrade and repairs.
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