Russia deploys rare T‑80UE-1 tanks in Ukraine conflict
The Russian army is deploying rare main tanks, such as the T-80EU-1, with unique capabilities in Ukraine. These machines are being sent to the defenders of the 4th Armored Division stationed in the country. However, as the Defence Express portal highlights, identical tanks appeared on the front two years ago, with some being captured by the Ukrainians.
"The Russian Federation remembered its rare T-80UE-1 tanks," reads a report on Defense Express. The army announced in early April 2024 that these unique machines had been dispatched to fight in Ukraine, to be operated by the aforementioned 4th Armored Division.
It's important to note that the tanks sent by Russia had previously been present in Ukraine. Moreover, – the Ukrainians managed to capture four examples of T-80UE-1 from the aggressor two years ago. The Russian army used these models extensively in the spring of 2022. Even then, they were unique and scarce, as the Russians only had one battalion of T-80UE-1 (with just several dozen produced then). After capturing several units as trophies, the Russian stocks likely contain even fewer specimens than at the start of the conflict, assuming no further models of this type have been produced in the last years.
T-80UE-1 is an upgrade of the popular T-80
The mentioned tanks are an upgrade that leverages features from several other T-80 variants. The model marked as "UE-1" thus employs the hull from T-80BW and the turret from T-80UD. Moreover, to boost offensive capabilities, the cannon 2A46M-1 was replaced with a more modern and efficient 2A46M-4.
In addition, the 6EK43-2S ammunition loading mechanism enables firing at targets using BOPS ammunition, which is Russia's answer to NATO's APFSDS projectiles. On the hull of the T-80UE-1 is a second-generation reactive armour, Kontakt-5, and the engine generates 1250 HP. This powers the tank to a maximum speed of approximately 76 km/h (47 mph) on roads and up to 60 km/h (37 mph) off-road.
Defense Express explains that the production of T-80UE-1 was limited to just several dozen units. Due to prohibitive costs, the Russian Federation did not opt for mass production of these variants. All machines produced were put into service in 2005.
