Rheinmetall Unveils New Frankenstein Leopard 1 Based Tank For Use in Ukraine

German defense company Rheinmetall showcased its self-propelled anti-aircraft artillery system based on the Leopard 1 tank chassis during the Skyranger System Demonstration 2024 on September 18. This tank, equipped with the Skyranger 35 millimeter cannon system, aims to enhance the capabilities of the Ukrainian Armed Forces, according to ZBiAM.

The demonstration attracted representatives from defense ministries and military industries across 26 countries.

The tank utilizes a chassis from the Leopard 1A5BE and features an unmanned turret capable of carrying a total of 252 rounds. Its effective firing range reaches up to 4 kilometers. According to Rheinmetall representatives, the development of this tank aims to show that the Skyranger 35 module can be adapted to various chassis types. The company plans to order at least ten units for Ukraine’s defense forces, with potential sales to other interested countries also considered.

Rheinmetall, a leading player in the German defense industry, was founded in 1889 and has established itself as a reliable supplier of military technology and equipment. Recently, a joint venture between Ukraine’s Ukroboronprom and Rheinmetall launched a facility in Ukraine for the repair and production of armored vehicles.

During the demonstration, Björn Bernhard, CEO of Rheinmetall Landsysteme GmbH, indicated that the project to integrate the 35mm turret onto the Leopard 1 chassis is specifically designed with the Ukrainian Armed Forces in mind. This initiative is intended to compensate for the losses of older armored systems during ongoing war.

“We plan to stay in Ukraine in the long term. We are not just delivering equipment and then withdrawing, we are showing that we will be there permanently and will support Ukraine. And we have further plans, including a heavily armored version of the Skyranger air defense system for Ukraine. There are still many Leopard 1 main battle tanks on whose chassis we could mount a Skyranger turret with a 35 mm automatic cannon,” says Björn Bernhard.

The new Skyranger 35 system is envisioned as a modern alternative to the aging Flakpanzer Gepard, originally adopted in 1976.