Leopard 2A4 Tank in Ukraine Seen with Russian Origin Protective Armor

Reports have emerged of a German-made Leopard 2A4 tank wearing protective armor made by a Russia company, JSC "Research Institute of Steel."
A video has appeared on social media showing a destroyed German-made Leopard 2A4 tank in service of the Ukrainian Armed Forces. The tank was sporting the Soviet era "Kontakt-1" dynamic protection system.

The tank appears to have been covered by the Kontakt-1 armor partially. The go-around video of the tank has been reportedly shot by Russian servicemen after it was destoryed. It is not know how or with what weapon the tank was immobilized with a part of its armor blown away.

The "Kontakt-1" dynamic protection system provides protection against rocket propelled grenades and anti tank guided missiles by 400-500 mm in steel equivalent and by 200-250 mm from artillery projectiles. The system meets dynamic protection (EDS) 4C20 standard, JSC Research Institute of Steel said on its website.

Kontakt-1 was developed in 1982 and can be installed on any domestic and foreign tanks. The products of JSC "Research Institute of Steel" are supplied to many foreign countries, the institute said.

It may be recalled that Ukraine has inherited several types of Soviet origin equipment and the tank protection system could be among them.