Ukraine Tests Advanced Belgian Tank Modified from Cold War Era German Leopard
Ukrainian military forces have commenced testing a tank developed by Belgian company John Cockerill Defence, which has been modified from the chassis of the Cold War-era German Leopard I tank, now equipped with cutting-edge systems suitable for modern combat environments.
According to leading Polish publication Defence24, Ukrainian military forces have begun testing a tank created by the Belgian company John Cockerill Defence (JCD), known for its production of modern combat modules. This tank has been upgraded based on the chassis of the German Leopard I, a relic from the Cold War, and is now outfitted with the latest systems that meet the demands of contemporary battlefields.
The report indicates that John Cockerill Defence delivered the modified Leopard 1 tank, equipped with the Cockerill 3105 turret, to the Armed Forces of Ukraine (AFU) in early March. This information has been corroborated by Ukrainian media outlets, which reported on the tank's transfer later that month; however, it was the Polish publication Defence24 that first announced the commencement of testing by Ukrainian military personnel.
The article notes that after trials in rear positions, the tank will be sent to the front lines for further testing under combat conditions. A Belgian source cited by Defence24 confirmed that the tank will undergo additional testing directly on the front line.
Furthermore, the independent Ukrainian news agency UNIAN reported at the end of 2025 about plans to transfer one Leopard 1 C3105 tank from Cockerill to the AFU for testing, which will include combat scenarios. The Ukrainian Ministry of Defense has not disclosed its plans regarding new types of armaments for security reasons.
In 2023, Ukrainian ground forces began operating the mid-Cold War version of the German Leopard tank, known as the Leopard 1A5. It is currently believed that approximately 120-150 of these tanks are in service with combat units in the field.
This news regarding the modernization of the Leopard I tank represents a significant step for Ukraine amid its ongoing war with Russia, as the country continues to seek new technologies and solutions to bolster its defense capabilities. The testing of this tank could prove to be a decisive factor in enhancing the effectiveness of the Ukrainian armed forces in modern combat scenarios.
At the same time, it is worth noting that shelling continues in Ukraine, particularly in Kharkiv, where several waves of attacks have recently occurred, resulting in at least one death and damage to a hospital near the central park. These events underscore the importance of modernizing military equipment and providing Ukrainian forces with contemporary means to defend the country.