Polish leopard tanks boost NATO defense in Latvia
As part of the NATO multinational battle group, the Polish military contingent stationed at the base in Adazi, Latvia, has received Leopard 2PL tanks. NATO group command emphasizes that their arrival significantly enhances the Alliance's strength in the region. Here are the main features of these tanks.
Information about the forthcoming reorganization in the NATO multinational battle group stationed in Latvia was provided in advance. According to the plans, the Leopard 2PL tanks are replacing other Polish machines that have been there so far, specifically PT-91 "Twardy" tanks.
Leopard 2PL tanks arrived in Adazi
It has not been disclosed how many Leopard 2PL tanks have arrived in Adazi. However, the command of the NATO multinational battle group stationed there does not hide the fact that they are receiving much more modern and better tanks. Emphasis is placed on stronger armor, mobility, and generally higher technological advancement compared to the PT-91 "Twardy."
"The presence of Polish Leopards is a clear signal that the multinational brigade in Latvia is united and ready to defend against any threat," said Col. Cedric Aspirault of the Canadian Army, leading the NATO allied battle group in Latvia.
Leopard 2PL: What kind of tank is it?
The PT-91 "Twardy" tanks were produced in the 1990s. However, they were not built from scratch but a Polish modernization of Soviet T-72M1 tanks. Although they are significantly better than the original, they noticeably lag behind Western designs.
This is also true for the Leopard 2PL tanks, which are the result of the modernization of the German Leopard 2A4 tanks. They are equipped with the smoothbore Rheinmetall Rh-120 L/44 cannon, adapted to new programmable and anti-tank ammunition at Polish defense plants. Additionally, they feature a different stabilization system, better observation and targeting instruments for the gunner and commander, and improved armor and fire and explosion suppression systems.
The Leopard 2PL, weighing nearly 132,000 lbs, has a 1,500 horsepower engine and can reach speeds of over 37 mph.
