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How Finland’s Leopard 2R Mine-Clearing Tanks Became a Breakthrough Asset for Ukraine’s Engineers

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Ivan_khomenko
Ivan Khomenko
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How Finland’s Leopard 2R Mine-Clearing Tanks Became a Breakthrough Asset for Ukraine’s Engineers
Leopard 2R armored engineering vehicle equipped for mine-clearing operations. (Source: Grassrootsmotors)

More than two years after Finland announced the delivery of Leopard 2R mine-clearing vehicles to Ukraine as part of its 14th military aid package, all six units have been fully integrated into the Ukrainian Armed Forces, according to ArmyInform on April 22.

The Leopard 2R Raivaus (translated as “Breakthrough”) is a Finnish-engineered armored engineering vehicle based on the Leopard 2A4 main battle tank platform.

Developed by Patria Weapon Systems in collaboration with the Finnish Ministry of Defense, the vehicle is specifically designed for clearing mines and creating safe pathways for advancing troops.

According to the report, citing to military historian and equipment expert Andrii Kharuk, Finland handed over all six Leopard 2R vehicles to Ukraine in 2023, shortly before formally joining NATO. These were the only six units of their kind in service, originally built between 2007 and 2009.

Leopard 2R clearing a minefield during field trials in forest terrain. (Photo: Open source)
Leopard 2R clearing a minefield during field trials in forest terrain. (Photo: Open source)

Each vehicle was extensively refitted for engineering tasks, with the turret replaced by a fully armored superstructure. British company Pearson Engineering provided the majority of the specialized mine-clearing and obstacle-breaching systems used on the platform.

The Leopard 2R retains many of the base tank’s characteristics, including a 1,500 hp MTU engine that allows for a top speed of 68 km/h and 31 km/h in reverse. The vehicle’s weight ranges from 46 to 49.6 tonnes depending on the attached equipment.

While not as heavy as other comparable systems—such as the Kodiak AEV 3 or M1150 ABV—the Leopard 2R provides strong armored protection and maintains high mobility.

Front view of the Leopard 2R mine plough with vegetation camouflage during exercises. (Photo: Open source)
Front view of the Leopard 2R mine plough with vegetation camouflage during exercises. (Photo: Open source)

Primary tools include:

  • Route-Opening Mine Plough (ROMP): A 4.5-meter-wide, 3.6-ton system capable of clearing mines at a speed of up to 250 meters per minute. The plough is equipped with specialized blades and terrain-following skids.

  • Combat Dozer Blade (CDB): A 2.5-ton high-strength steel blade used for position fortification, trenching, and obstacle removal.

  • Excavator Manipulator Arm (EMA): An optional hydraulic arm for excavation and lifting, operated either from inside the vehicle or remotely.

Additional systems include a lane marking system (LMS) and high-lift adapter (HLA), allowing for quick configuration of different attachments in under 10 minutes.

All six Leopard 2R vehicles were delivered across two Finnish aid packages in February and March 2023. They have since been assigned to an engineering unit within one of Ukraine’s mechanized brigades.

The vehicles are actively used to clear minefields, prepare fortifications, and support frontline mobility operations.

By contributing a rare and specialized system, Finland has enabled Ukrainian engineers to conduct complex battlefield tasks more efficiently and safely—strengthening defense and offensive operations in mined and contested terrain.

Earlier, Finland unveiled the Steel Eagle ER combat drone, developed in partnership with Ukrainian specialists to meet frontline demands. Equipped with FPV control, anti-personnel shrapnel payloads, and Ukrainian-made components, the drone is designed for extended-range operations and enhanced resistance to jamming.

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