Ukrainian Leopard 1 tanks equipped with 360-degree camera systems

Some Leopard 1 main battle tanks used by soldiers from the 1st Tank Battalion of the 5th Separate Heavy Mechanised Brigade have been equipped with a 360-degree camera system that enables the tank commander to improve situational awareness and warn the crew about approaching drones.

Source: Oboronka, Ukrainska Pravda's military news outlet

Details: The initiative for the upgrade came from the battalion commander, who proposed installing cameras to provide a full 360-degree view around the vehicle.

Oboronka notes that tank combat operations are usually coordinated using drones, but these can be jammed near the combat zone, so crews need improved independent visibility.

Oleh, a battalion officer responsible for upgrading the tanks, told Oboronka: "The idea was to install four thermal imaging cameras covering four directions. They allow us to detect movement at night, including from the sides and the rear. The system itself consists of four cameras and a single 10-inch monitor through which the commander can see everything happening around."

The cameras are mounted on the anti-drone mesh, and the feed is transmitted to the turret via cables.

The battalion told Oboronka that the camera footage is also transmitted to its command post via Starlink terminals installed on the tanks, enabling more effective coordination of the crew and early warning of threats.

At present, the first 10 tanks are being equipped with the video observation system. The cost of one set is around UAH 40,000 (US$1,000).

The Serhii Prytula Charity Foundation reported that it has financed the project as part of a fundraiser for the current needs of Ukraine's defence forces.

Klym, deputy head of the foundation's military department, said: "The guys came to us with a ready-made project and a clear solution for how everything should work. We agreed that we could help re-equip 10 tanks. But we needed to make sure the system would work. After testing the first vehicle, we saw its effectiveness."

The battalion also plans to install additional cameras for the tank driver.

Support Ukrainska Pravda on Patreon!