German Leopard 2 vs. Russian T-90 Tank – The Ultimate Tank Comparison

The battlefield has always been a ruthless Arena where the most powerful and technologically advanced war machines clash in a brutal fight for Supremacy. Lately, the two heavyweights in the tank world have dominated the scene with their impressive performance and fearsome reputation, Germany’s Leopard 2 and Russia’s T-90.

If they fight against each other, Tank will prevail in battle, which is the burning question on everyone’s mind. In this article, we will dive deep into the capabilities and features of both tanks to see which one, Reigns Supreme is the ultimate test of power and performance.

German Leopard 2 vs. Russian T-90 Tank: Overview

German Leopard 2 vs. Russian T-90 Tank
Leopard 2

Germany’s Leopard 2 is a testament to German engineering and Innovation, as the Tank was designed to conquer the demands of modern warfare with its state-of-the-art Fire Control System, Sensors, all-welded turret, and composite armor.

The Leopard 2 was first introduced in 1979 as the successor to the legendary Leopard 1, and since then, approximately 3600 units of different variants have been built.

Today, the latest variant’s per-unit cost is up to 15 million euros. The Tank is operated by a crew of four. It measures 36 feet in length and 13 feet in width and stands 8.7 feet high.

Its versatility and Longevity have made it the most sought-after Tank. Most recently, Ukraine asked for leopards as reinforcements, and Russia has cut oil production by around 5 percent in retaliation for European support.

German Leopard 2 vs. Russian T-90 Tank
T-90

Russia’s T-90 is a third-generation MBT developed from the T-72. Whether you’re facing down enemy tanks or fortifications, the Tank is a perfect weapon for easily taking down enemy targets. Since its inception in 1992, around 3 200 units of different variants have been produced.

This Mighty Machine is operated by a crew of three. The latest variant, t90ms, comes with an inflation-adjusted cost of 5.5 million dollars. The Tank measures 32 feet in length, 13 feet in width, and 7 feet in height. 

 Leopard 2 vs. T-90 Tank: Mobility and Range

Leopard 2

The leopard is powered by a 12-cylinder diesel engine that produces a massive 1500 horsepower, which can push it to a maximum speed of 43 miles per hour. The Tank is a behemoth on the battlefield, weighing in at a staggering 69 tons, and has a power-to-weight ratio of 22 horsepower per ton.

It boasts four fuel tanks with a combined capacity of 317 gallons, providing a maximum operational range of 280 miles. On the other hand, Russia’s t-90 is powered by a multi-fuel engine generating up to 1130 horsepower, propelling it to a top speed of 37 miles per hour.

The combat-ready weight of the Tank is around 53 tons, with power to weight ratio of 21 horsepower per ton. The T90 has a remarkable operational range of 342 miles, making it a versatile machine that can go far.

 Leopard 2 vs. T-90 Tank: Sensors

The leopard two tanks are equipped with thermal optics, an Image Fusion system, fiber optic Gyros, Laser Rangefinder, and Cutting Edge Fire Control System. the Gunner station has a stabilized main sight and an auxiliary siding telescope. The driver has thermal and night vision systems for front and rear vision.

Whereas the T-90 is locked and loaded with the latest automatic fire control system and infrared night Optics. All these sensors unlock the sharp shooting capabilities of the Gunner. The Tank is outfitted with a day and night Rangefinder for missile guidance and conventional rounds. The system is fitted with an Armament stabilizer and sensors to gauge the wind direction and speed for accuracy. 

 Leopard 2 vs. T-90 Tank: Firepower

T-90

The German Tank is armed with a formidable 120-millimeter smoothbore gun. It is capable of firing a variety of Ammunition and cutting-edge programmable high-explosive rounds. These rounds can be programmed to perform different functions, such as Impacting a Target in a specific way or penetrating certain types of armor.

The primary gun can accurately hit targets at supersonic speeds of 1900 yards per second. The gun can engage moving targets through enemy smoke screens in day and night.

Thanks to its stabilization system, the gun stays aimed at a Target while the Tank moves across rough Terrain. The primary gun can also shoot guided missiles with a range of up to 3.7 miles. The loader can engage ground targets with a 7.62-millimeter machine gun mounted coaxially with a main gun, while the commander can destroy both ground and air targets with a turret-mounted machine gun.

On the other side, the T-90 is armed with a 125-millimeter smoothbore gun. Capable of firing a wide array of Ammunition, including high armor-piercing explosive and anti-tank guided missiles.

This gun can engage a target with standard Ammunition from a distance of 1.6 miles, while anti-tank guided missiles can destroy a Target as far as 3.7 miles. For engaging infantry or light Vehicles, the Gunner has access to a 7.62-millimeter machine gun mounted next to the main gun.

The T-90 can unleash its fury on any Airborne threat with the help of a 12.7-millimeter turret-mounted machine gun.

 Leopard 2 vs. T-90 Tank: Survivability

Leopard 2

The German Tank can perform effectively in low- and high-intensity conflicts to enhance its protection. The Tank is Outfitted with modular armor that provides improved frontal defense.

Since the Tank’s armor is modular, damaged modules can be easily replaced on the battlefield. In addition, the Tank is equipped with 360-degree protection against RPGs and anti-tank mines.

On the contrary, the T-90 Tank has various features and mechanisms to keep the crew alive even in the toughest battles. The takes armor is reinforced with Composite Materials Designed to withstand even the most severe blows. That takes outer shell is also equipped with explosive reactive armor, which can sense an incoming threat and trigger an explosion to neutralize it.

The Tank is equipped with an automatic fire suppression system designed to extinguish any fires that may break out inside the Tank.

Both tanks are War beasts crafted with power and versatility to meet the demands of Modern Warfare. The Leopard 2 comes with Superior sensors, Advanced Optics, and a welded turret, but it comes with a higher price tag as the T90 is cheaper to produce and has a low profile.

While the Leopard may have a more impressive engine and faster speed, the T90 outshines it with a remarkable operational range. The T-90 is comparatively armed with a bigger gun. The leopard’s gun is renowned for its accuracy and long-range capability with Conventional rounds. However, when it comes to ATGMS, both tanks have almost similar ranges.

Ultimately, the choice of a tank for an army will depend on various factors such as the Terrain, Mission requirements, and budget.