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Not true, no one, except the most fantasy-minded boffins in Beijing wants to invade Russia. If after the fall of the Soviet Union, Russia had declared they were going full-on pacifist, focused on neutrality and staying out of everyone else's business in Africa and the former Soviet Republics, and instead focusing on becoming a liberal democracy, no one would have invaded them. That's the silly disconnect in the Russian mindset, combined with a Rodney Dangerfield inferiority-complex and need for respect, they feel they need this seemingly powerful military because they expect war, when all their neighbours just wanted to forget the past and trade for Russian oil and resources and spend their tourist dollars in St. Petersburg.[The only thing that's keeping them from being invaded by everybody is that they have the largest nuclear arsenal on Earth.
I don't think the longer or shorter 120mm will make much of a difference as I am sure they will all penetrate, almost at will the armour on the Russian tanks.I'd keep the small number of Challengers close to one another, if only to maximize efficiencies of logistics and support. Either way I'm anxious to see things underway, while knowing that there are hundreds or thousands of Ukrainian young men who are about to die or suffer grievous wounds while freeing their nation.
The Leopard 2A7 variant with its longer barrel 120mm is going to be a killer. No amount of ERA is going to stop it from cutting through the armour on any Russian tank.
I have been wondering about how Canada's earlier, short-barrel Leo2 A4s without the A7's composite armor kit will perform. I'm assuming mechanically that we've handpicked eight of our very best units, but it's still an early 2000s era spec.I don't think the longer or shorter 120mm will make much of a difference as I am sure they will all penetrate, almost at will the armour on the Russian tanks.
I would be more worried about the reduced armour protection. The Russian 125mm in its different versions is a powerful weapon and if they are able to fire in favourable situations for instance nin woods where the Leo 2 will not have such an advantage in range, might do very well.I have been wondering about how Canada's earlier, short-barrel Leo2 A4s without the A7's composite armor kit will perform. I'm assuming mechanically that we've handpicked eight of our very best units, but it's still an early 2000s era spec.
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I believe in preparation for the Afghan occupation and IED risks the CAF had the bottom armour protection increased to A7 spec. So the Ukrainian tankers should have more survivability if they hit a mine, I hope.I would be more worried about the reduced armour protection.
It's new. And wholly unexpected to pop up at some Australian cultural event, I suppose. Try that in Canada and you'll get a Ukrainian-Canadian or a likeminded supporter's boot up your backside. Here in Canada, those of Russian descent tread very carefully. I imagine Russians living in the Baltic Reps or Poland keep their mouths tightly shut.Wonder why Zwastika is not prohibited.
Thanks for sharing! I'll see it and say something, if it worth to mention.
Also worth considering the entire Russian armed forces (full timers?) used to be around 3.5 million but dropped over the years
to 900,000. Out of one hundred thousand plus casualties how many professional troops are gone ? From what I have read on this
the 900,000 figure also includes the navy and air force.
He always spoke with a lot of sense and its notable that I haven't heard or seen him at all recently. I don't think that is a co-incidence.Against this the Ukrainians now field a million well equipped, led, trained and highly motivated troops. Retired Russian colonel Mikhail Khodarenok said it accurately and well a year ago in May 2022.
Retired colonel speaks out on Russian TV
Mikhail Khodarenok gives a rare insight saying the military operation in Ukraine can only get worse.www.bbc.co.uk
"Ukrainian desire to defend their motherland very much exists. Ultimate victory on the battlefield is determined by the high morale of troops who are spilling blood for the ideas they are ready to fight for. The biggest problem with Russia's military and political situation is that we are in total political isolation and the whole world is against us, even if we don't want to admit it. The situation cannot be considered normal when against us, there is a coalition of 42 countries and when our resources, military-political and military-technical, are limited. The situation will clearly get worse as Ukraine receives additional military assistance from the West and that the Ukrainian army can arm a million people."