In the latest development of the war in Ukraine, the Russian Ministry of Defense released a video on June 12, 2023, revealing their attempts to recover and later analyze the technology of damaged Western military vehicles in service with the Ukrainian army, specifically, the German Leopard 2A6 tank and the American Bradley M2A2 IFVs (Infantry Fighting Vehicles). The captured footage comes in the wake of Russian artillery attacks against these Ukrainian vehicles on June 11, 2023.
The Ukrainian armed forces have received Leopard 2A6 tanks, a German-made advanced main battle tank, and M2A2 Bradleys, an American-produced IFV. These vehicles represent some of the latest advancements in Western military technology. The Russian recovery effort is reportedly aimed at gaining insights into these cutting-edge technologies. Hence a major question: why didn’t the Ukrainians try to blow up at least the turret of their Leopard 2A6 tank and M2A2 Bradleys by dropping grenades before escaping? It would have at least damaged the most interesting sophisticated devices of these vehicles.
As per the released video, Russian soldiers are seen making recovery attempts of the damaged armored vehicles. The Russians will certainly be seeking to dissect and analyze these technologically advanced war machines, potentially to advance their own defense technology or to develop countermeasures.
The recovery and potential analysis of the Leopard 2A6 tank, one of the most sophisticated main battle tanks currently in service with the Ukrainian forces, could provide Russia with a range of strategic advantages in the context of the ongoing conflict in Ukraine.