What the 1A5 added
By the 1980s the Leopard 1 was falling behind. Rather than replace it, Germany upgraded about 1,300 of its tanks to the 1A5 standard from the late 1980s. The core of the upgrade was the EMES 18 fire control system, derived from the Leopard 2's, with a laser rangefinder, a ballistic computer and a thermal sight that let the crew fight at night and through smoke. The turret was also prepared to take a 120 mm gun, although that option was never adopted by Germany.
Specifications
| Weight | About 42.4 t |
| Main gun | 105 mm L7A3 rifled |
| Engine | MTU MB 838 CaM 500, 830 hp |
| Top speed | 65 km/h |
| Range | About 600 km |
| Crew | 4 |
National versions
Denmark (1A5DK), Belgium (1A5BE), Brazil (1A5BR), Greece and others operated 1A5-standard tanks. Many were later sold back to industry, and those stored hulls became the source for Ukraine's tanks.
In Ukraine
Germany, Denmark and the Netherlands announced in February 2023 that they would refurbish Leopard 1A5s for Ukraine, with industry (Rheinmetall and FFG) doing the work. Deliveries began in late 2023. According to the German government, 103 had been delivered by April 2025, with another 22 earmarked. Ukraine uses them mainly as fire-support tanks: firing from concealed positions, including indirect fire over long distances, rather than leading assaults against modern Russian armor.
Frequently asked questions
How many Leopard 1A5 has Ukraine received?
The German government reported 103 delivered by April 2025, with 22 more earmarked.
Can a Leopard 1A5 fight a T-90?
Not on equal terms. Its armor is thin and its 105 mm gun is older. Ukraine mostly uses it for fire support from cover.