Ukrainian Leopard 1A5DK Tanks Strengthened with Nizh and Kontakt-1 ERA

19 May, 2024 Modernized Leopard 1A5DK. Source: Andrii Tarasenko. The Ukrainian Leopard 1A5DK tanks were strengthened by Nizh and Kontakt-1 explosive reactive armor.

Ukrainian armored vehicles' researcher Andrii Tarasenko has published a corresponding photo on his Telegram channel. The Nizh explosive reactive armor was evidently installed on the upper and lower frontal parts of the Leopard 1A5DK. Meanwhile, the Kontakt-1 ERA was fitted on the tank's turret, the turret's roof, and possibly on both sides of the vehicle.

In addition, it is noticeable that reactive armor is installed on the sides of the tank's hull, but the type is unknown.

Leopard 1A5DK. Source: Andrii Tarasenko.

It is worth noting that the Nizh and Kontakt-1 ERA were adapted to the K1 container, so it is impossible to distinguish them visually. It is also noticeable that the bottom of the containers on the upper glacis plate was thickened, and the lower glacis plate received spaced armor.

The Leopard 1A5DK can be distinguished from other tanks by its distinctive welded turret with spaced armor.

Leopard 1A5DK of the Armed Forces of Ukraine. Photo from open sources.

The installation of explosive reactive armor should increase the survivability of tanks during combat operations.

Nizh ERA

The third-generation Nizh ERA was developed by Ukrainian enterprises in 1997-1998, and adopted by the Ukrainian army in 2003.

Read more in the article "Reactive armor of armored vehicles: experience in use in the Russian-Ukrainian war"

This ERA affects the attacking ammunition, creating an oncoming shaped charge.