Germany revives soviet tanks to train Ukrainian troops
Reuters reports that Germany is retrieving Soviet tanks from museums, and this is not without reason. These vehicles are needed for the training of Ukrainian crews.
German authorities have decided to retrieve Soviet-made tanks from museums, according to Andreas Marlow, head of the EU's special training command for Ukraine. This decision aims to bring Ukrainian training closer to real conditions on the front lines.
Not only modern equipment on the front
Reuters notes that as many as 17 countries have participated in training 18,000 Ukrainian soldiers so far. Instructors have taught the defending army how to operate modern tanks and precise air defence systems, as well as training snipers, engineers, medical rescuers, and drone operators.
However, it's significant that among this modern equipment, much older machines play a vital role in Ukraine – the aged Soviet-era constructions that are available in large quantities and are effective in many established strategies. Consequently, the German army has brought out old Soviet tanks from museums to better train Ukrainians.
It's worth noting that the Russian side has long been using decades-old machines whose usefulness on the front is questionable. Back in June 2024, recordings emerged showing another transport of the Russian T-62 and T-62M tanks heading to Ukraine. These models are among the oldest involved in the war in Ukraine, as they were designed in the 1960s as modernisations of the T-54 and T-55 series tanks. Although Germany has not revealed which specific machines have been retrieved from museums for training, it's possible that the T-62, still prevalent in the conflict, is among them.
Outdated Russian tanks
Currently, the T-62 and T-62M models are considered outdated, mainly in terms of protection. Concerned about the safety of their machines, the Russians have begun installing additional shields, such as cages or roofs, designed to defend against attacks from FPV (first person view) kamikaze drones.
In terms of offensive potential, the T-62 tanks and their modified versions, the T-62M, are significantly inferior to both NATO tanks and more advanced designs from the Soviet era. Their primary armament is a smoothbore 115 mm calibre gun, which is insufficient to penetrate the armour of modern military machines. Additionally, these tanks are equipped with underpowered engines of 580 horsepower, allowing them to reach a maximum speed of around 30 mph.
