Modern Russian Light Tanks: A Crucial Asset in the Battlefield

The ongoing conflict in Ukraine has highlighted the significance of modern military equipment, particularly light tanks, in modern warfare. The CSIS report reveals that Russia is struggling to maintain its tank fleet due to a lack of resources and Western sanctions hindering their ability to source parts and tools needed for new tank construction.

One of the primary challenges Russia faces is refurbishing and putting back into action its decades-old tanks. According to the CSIS report, Moscow loses an average of almost 150 tanks of all types in Ukraine each month. This staggering loss rate means that Russia needs to rely on older models, such as the T-55 tanks introduced in 1948, which are now being deployed on the battlefield.

The situation is further complicated by the lack of modern hardware production capabilities. The UralVagonZavod plant, one of Russia's primary tank manufacturers, can only produce about 20 tanks per month. This limited capacity means that Russia is struggling to replace its losses and maintain a viable tank fleet.

Western officials have also noted the pressure on the Russian tank fleet, citing the significant number of T-72B3 main battle tanks lost during the conflict. According to Oryx, an open-source intelligence website, over 500 variants of the T-72B3 have been destroyed, damaged, abandoned or captured as of this week. The CSIS report estimates that Russia has lost anywhere from 1,845 to 3,511 tanks since the start of the war.

The loss of newer and upgraded models like the T-72B3, first delivered in 2013, is especially damaging for Russia. These tanks are equipped with advanced technology and are more effective on the battlefield than older models. The capture of a Russian T-72B3 tank in eastern Ukraine serves as a poignant reminder of the significance of modern military equipment in modern warfare.

In conclusion, the CSIS report highlights the challenges faced by Russia in maintaining its light tank fleet due to a lack of resources and Western sanctions. The loss of tanks and the inability to produce new ones has forced Moscow to rely on older models, which are no match for the advanced technology used by Ukrainian forces. As the conflict continues, it is crucial that Russia prioritizes the production and deployment of modern light tanks to remain competitive on the battlefield.

Modern russian light tanks