Configured as a potential leap in capabilities for its armored fleet, Ukraine is currently evaluating in the field a Leopard 1 tank equipped with the new Cockerill 3105 turret, which, according to its manufacturer, stands out for having an indirect fire capability that “no other Western main battle tank currently possesses.” The development in question has already been confirmed by representatives of the Belgian company John Cockerill Defense in response to inquiries from local analysts, in the context of the BEDEX 2026 exhibition, where they indicated that the entry into service of this new system had been scheduled for March 16.
Expanding on the technical details of the Cockerill 3105 turret, it can be noted that it is a system primarily based on a 105 mm gun developed by the aforementioned company, complemented by a 7.62 mm coaxial machine gun and a mount where 12.7 mm machine guns or 40 mm grenade launchers can also be installed. It is also known that it features an automatic loading system capable of storing between 12 and 16 rounds, as well as a series of external cameras providing a 360-degree field of view.
In addition to these characteristics, available official information also indicates that the turret is made of welded ballistic aluminum, providing the crew with level 5 protection according to the STANAG 4569 standard. To enhance defensive capabilities, the turret is also equipped with 8 smoke grenade launchers, active protection systems, and even acoustic shot detection systems. It is also worth highlighting that the Cockerill 3105 turret includes fully stabilized sights for both the gunner and the commander, including systems compatible with night vision and thermal imaging.
Regarding the aforementioned indirect fire capability, Ukrainian analysts have pointed out that this refers to the possibility of engaging targets beyond the direct line of sight of the gunner, thanks to a new fire control system and a gun with a higher elevation angle than other turrets; specifically -10° / +42°. However, it should also be noted that its installation on Leopard 1 tank platforms would require modifications to the hull, although it has not yet been determined how costly these changes would be or how long they would take—factors that are not minor in Ukraine’s case. Even so, John Cockerill Defense has already offered Kyiv to equip its entire fleet of Leopard 1 tank with this product.
Finally, although the design is still in the testing stage, it is useful to recall that this would not be the first time that Ukraine has opted to modify the capabilities of Leopard 1 tank units donated by its Western allies, adapting them to the specific needs of the battlefield—including, among other things, air defense. In this regard, it is notable the existence of units equipped with the Skyranger 35 systems developed by the German company Rheinmetall since late last year, which were acquired through a contract worth hundreds of millions of euros funded by a European partner and integrated onto the tank chassis in facilities of Rheinmetall Italia S.p.A. in Rome.
*Images used for illustrative purposes.
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