克罗地亚部署德制豹2A4坦克，替代苏联时代M-84型号

快速阅读: 2024年10月28日，德国与克罗地亚签署协议，克罗地亚将向乌克兰提供30辆M-84坦克和30辆M-80步兵战车，德国则向克罗地亚提供50辆Leopard 2A8坦克。作为过渡，克罗地亚接收两辆Leopard 2A4HRV用于训练和展示。

The Leopard 2A4HRV is based on the standard

Leopard 2A4

tank produced by Germany between 1985 and 1992. It retains the vertical turret structure without the angular appliqué armor introduced in subsequent variants such as the 2A5, 2A6, or 2A8. The vehicle is equipped with a Rheinmetall 120 mm L/44 smoothbore main gun and supports a stabilized fire control system with digital components, a laser rangefinder, and optical devices for both daytime and nighttime use. Its propulsion system is the MTU MB 873 Ka-501 liquid-cooled, V12 twin-turbo diesel engine, producing 1,500 horsepower and allowing a maximum road speed of up to 70 kilometers per hour. It has an estimated operational range of 450 to 500 kilometers and a combat weight of approximately 55 tonnes. Passive protection is provided against kinetic energy and high-explosive anti-tank projectiles, and the vehicle includes resistance to anti-tank mines and handheld anti-armor weapons. No active protection system or modular armor is installed on this version.

A distinctive feature of the Leopard 2A4HRV is its use of the German SEM 80/90 VHF radio system rather than the SINCGARS RT-1702E system used in Croatia’s M-84A tanks. The SEM 80/90 system, introduced in the early 1980s and still manufactured by Thales as of 2021, operates in the VHF band between 30.0 and 79.975 MHz using 25 kHz channel spacing. It is available in low-power (~0.4 W and 4 W) and high-power (~4 W and 40 W) configurations, depending on the SEM 80 or SEM 90 variant. When mounted with a vehicle antenna (FA-80), it can reach up to 17 kilometers; with a stationary antenna (STA-80), range can extend up to 30 kilometers. In contrast, SINCGARS covers 30.000 to 87.975 MHz with the same channel spacing but supports frequency hopping and integrated encryption. It provides single-channel and frequency-hopping operation, is compatible across NATO platforms, and achieves operational ranges up to 35 to 40 kilometers with amplification. The Leopard 2A4HRV’s use of SEM 80/90 reflects its limited operational scope and non-interoperability with current NATO digital systems.

The two Leopard 2A4HRV units were delivered by Germany as part of a broader military agreement. On October 28, 2024, Croatian Defense Minister Ivan Anušić and German Defense Minister Boris Pistorius signed a letter of intent in which Croatia committed to transferring 30 M-84 main battle tanks and 30 M-80 infantry fighting vehicles to Ukraine. In return, Germany agreed to supply Croatia with up to 50 Leopard 2A8 tanks beginning in 2027. This agreement allowed Croatia to modernize its armored forces while contributing to Ukraine’s defense. The two Leopard 2A4HRV tanks were delivered between the signing of the agreement and their public presentation during the 2025 military parade. They serve exclusively as non-combat assets for training and display purposes. Croatia currently fields no other Leopard variants and maintains only these two 2A4HRV units as placeholders until the 2A8 fleet enters service.

Prior to this agreement, Croatia had attempted to acquire Leopard 2 tanks on several occasions. In 2014 and 2015, discussions with Germany focused on the possible procurement of Leopard 2A5 tanks, intended to complement the acquisition of PzH 2000 self-propelled howitzers. Due to financial constraints, Croatia was unable to proceed with the tank purchase. In the years that followed, the Croatian Army continued to operate M-84A4 “Sniper” tanks, a Yugoslav-era modification of the Soviet T-72 featuring improved fire control and communications systems. These upgrades did not include enhancements to passive or modular armor, and the vehicles retained protection levels similar to early-generation T-72 models. The decision to transfer M-84A4 tanks and M-80 IFVs to Ukraine in exchange for Leopard 2A8s was announced in 2023 and became part of Croatia’s broader strategy to modernize its ground forces using Western platforms.

The Leopard 2A8 tanks expected to replace Croatia’s M-84A4 fleet are based on the Leopard 2A7HU standard and include significant upgrades. These tanks will feature advanced armor protection, integration of the Israeli Trophy active protection system, and improved situational awareness through enhanced sensor fusion. Delivery is planned from 2027 onward and is expected to be completed by 2030. The total value of the Leopard 2A8 procurement is estimated at €1 billion. Croatia’s €144 million aid package to Ukraine, which includes the transferred tanks and IFVs, is subtracted from the total cost. The acquisition also includes spare parts, additional engines, tank transporters, and engineering vehicles. The 2A8 tanks will replace all remaining M-84A4s in Croatian service and bring the country’s armored forces closer to full NATO interoperability in terms of firepower, survivability, and communications infrastructure.

The Leopard 2A4HRV is not configured for combat use and lacks modern survivability enhancements, but it plays a functional role in Croatia’s transition toward the Leopard 2A8 standard. These two tanks serve as instructional platforms, allowing Croatian personnel to train on the Leopard chassis and familiarize themselves with basic maintenance and operational procedures. They represent the first instance of Leopard 2 systems being fielded by Croatia, a country that, until 2025, had relied exclusively on M-84-based armored vehicles. Their deployment during the 2025 parade served both symbolic and preparatory purposes. Until the Leopard 2A8 begins arriving from Germany in 2027, the Leopard 2A4HRV will continue to serve a limited but relevant role in national defense planning, training infrastructure, and public military visibility.

(以上内容均由Ai生成)