In October 2024, the Russian Ministry of Defense reported the destruction of six German-made Leopard 2 tanks using FPV drones over a four-month campaign, targeting Ukrainian positions primarily in the Kurakhove region. These Leopard 2A4 and 2A6 tanks, NATO's most advanced, were critical to Ukraine’s defense. Despite their firepower and mobility, logistical challenges have made them vulnerable. Russian forces have successfully used FPV drones to exploit weaknesses in the tanks' armor and optics, particularly targeting rear and exposed sections. The 2A6 model, lacking anti-drone defenses, has suffered heavy losses. Russia’s strategy, combining drones and artillery, has rendered nearly half of Ukraine's Leopard 2 fleet inactive, with videos showing diminishing numbers. A captured Leopard 2A6 was sent to Russia’s Uralvagonzavod for study, marking the role of drone technology in shaping modern warfare and diminishing the utility of even the most advanced vehicles.
