Analysis of the tactical use of Leopard 2A4 tanks in Operation "Euphrates Shield"

Abstract

The Leopard 2A4 tank has raised expectations in the Ukraine war, with several NATO countries committing vehicles to support them against Rusia. However, doubts have been raised about its tactical performance, since, in the war in Syria, Turkish armored vehicles faced problems fighting the Islamic State. Specialized articles question its effectiveness and demonstrate its vulnerability to anti-armor missiles, raising questions about its ability to confront Russian weapons in Ukraine. In this paper it is stated that the low effectiveness demonstrated was due to a bad tactical use rather than to problems of obsolescence or incapacity of the tank. Tactical errors evidenced include direct confrontation with irregular forces and acting in support of motorized infantry.