Several 9M113s mounting 2006-production 9N131M2-1 tandem-warhead ‘Abrams killer’ warheads have been documented as being in Syria as far back as 2013. This is the latest spec that the Russians field, not the normal export version (9N131M is the usual export version).
Worth noting is that the Leopard 2 likely incorporates a form of Chobham armor as was fitted to our early M1 Abrams tanks and remains fitted to the British Challengers. The fact that the 9M113 was easily able to penetrate the Leopard 2’s turret armor and savage the interior despite the Abrams-like protective design features should be something we sit up and pay attention to.
NATO’s long time disinterest in active tank protection systems has bit Turkey, I suspect.
Thanks for that explanation. I have no background knowledge of tank design.
All weapons have some exposed weaknesses.
Those who use them are aware.