New Ukraine 'Frankenstein' Tank to Combat Russian Drones
Ukraine is set to receive a new "Frankenstein" air defense tank, designed to shoot down Russian drones and missiles by merging the proven capabilities of a Cold War-era tank chassis with an advanced anti-aircraft system.
German defense company Rheinmetall announced the novel design this week. The company plans to mount a Skyranger turret, equipped with a powerful 35mm automatic cannon, onto an Leopard 1 chassis.
"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.
Although the Cold War-era Leopard 1 is no longer used by Germany, significant numbers remain in storage. Ukraine's army has already received nearly 100 Leopards and continues to seek additional support to defend against Russia and its drone attacks that have targeted critical infrastructure in recent months.
Developed in the 1960s, the Leopard 1 quickly became a standard for many European militaries during the Cold War, serving as the main battle tank in over a dozen countries worldwide. Prioritizing mobility and firepower, its powerful engine propels the 42-ton tank to speeds exceeding 40 mph, keeping pace with advancing troops.
The well-tested chassis boasts significant off-road capabilities, making it ideal for eastern Ukraine's harsh terrain. The Leopard's low profile also offers some protection against enemy fire.
While the Leopard provides the foundation, the true muscle comes from the Skyranger system. This advanced turret features a sophisticated radar with a complete 360-degree view, allowing Ukrainian forces to precisely detect and track incoming threats.
The Skyranger packs a punch as well. Its 35mm auto-cannon is able to effectively destroy incoming drones before they can inflict damage. The system can also be outfitted with launchers for anti-aircraft missiles, providing an extra layer of defense against more sophisticated airborne threats.
A view of a Leopard 2 tank at a production line as German Chancellor Olaf Scholz and Defence Minister Boris Pistorius attend the groundbreaking ceremony for a new munitions factory of German defense contractor Rheinmetall on February 12, 2024 in Unterluess, Germany. Pool via Getty Images
According to Rheinmetall, this combination enables Ukraine to rapidly deploy a highly effective system against the Russian drone swarms damaging their infrastructure. The announcement coincides with the opening of a new Rheinmetall workshop in western Ukraine.
"We are planning for the long term in Ukraine," said Bernhard to Bild. "We're not just supplying equipment and then withdrawing – we're showing that we'll be there permanently and supporting Ukraine."
Rheinmetall's new facility aims to repair damaged German-made tanks on the front lines, significantly reducing downtime and getting them back into action more quickly.
The defense company known for its innovative weaponry has also successfully modified Soviet-era air defense vehicles to fire Western missiles, creating "FrankenSAMs" that have proven effective against drone attacks.
As part of Kyiv's broader strategy, Ukraine continues to seek additional support to counter Russian drone attacks on critical infrastructure. Last week, Ukrainian President Volodymyr Zelensky secured a 10-year security agreement with the U.S. that promises to provide Kyiv with long-term military assistance.
Start your unlimited Newsweek trial