Russian 4400 tanks have disappeared, Russia overestimated the Soviet legacy

October 8th news, open-source intelligence shows that since the outbreak of the Russia-Ukraine conflict in 2022, Russia has deployed more than 4400 tanks from its pre-war inventory of 7300 tanks, leaving less than 2900 tanks in stock. Of the remaining tanks, only about 23% are in operable or good condition, and a large number of old models such as T62, T55, and even T54 are being re-welded and sent back into service.

Not only tanks, but also Russian BMP infantry fighting vehicles, armored transport vehicles, BMD airborne combat vehicles, and various artillery systems have all seen a reduction of more than 50%. The number of infantry fighting vehicles has plummeted from 7100 to 2579, and armored vehicles have dropped from over 11000 to about 5000.

This data indicates that Russia overestimated the Soviet legacy. Moreover, it not only overestimated the quantity of the Soviet legacy, but also overestimated its quality and sustainability.

A large number of stored tanks have long lacked maintenance since the dissolution of the Soviet Union, some of them are just rusted shells left outdoors, which cannot be used immediately upon starting.

In the first year of the war, they could quickly fill the front line with stock vehicles, but now they can only repair scrap, and even use cultural relics on the battlefield.

Furthermore, in modern warfare, tanks are no longer the main force for breakthroughs, but rather fixed targets for drones, artillery, and guided missiles.

What's worse, Russia's own industrial system has long been unable to match that of the Soviet era, with an annual new tank production capacity of only two to three hundred units.

Moreover, repairing a T62 that can fight may require dismantling two scrapped T80s for parts, and there is also the risk of fire control failure and crew safety.

It can be said that the Russian armored forces have now entered a stage of exhaustion. The T80 series has been completely drained from the reserves, and the restoration of T62 and T55 is exhausting the last technical possibilities.

Facts have proven that the Soviet Union indeed left a huge military arsenal, but it is certainly not a remedy for a 21st-century modern war.

Original text: www.toutiao.com/article/1845491409896779/

Statement: This article represents the views of the author.