Russia faces critical tank shortages as stockpiles dwindle
The Russian Federation is likely running out of tank reserves, according to a publication by Newsweek. The publication cites an analysis of satellite images conducted by artificial intelligence and originally reported by the German newspaper Süddeutsche Zeitung.
As explained by the Ukrainian agency Unian, the AI model examined satellite images of 87 Russian military facilities, including 16 bases where tanks, artillery systems, and armoured personnel carriers are stored. Analysts counted the exact number of tanks at these facilities before the Russian invasion of Ukraine began in 2022 and how many there are now.
– One of these bases is the 111th Central Tank Reserve Base of the Army in southeastern Russia. In April 2021, it had 857 tanks, but it is now almost empty, as satellite images indicate – reports Newsweek. The Russians reportedly moved nearly half of the tanks out of this base by October 2022, which is just a few months into the conflict. Analysis of other facilities in Russia reveals similar problems for the Russians.
Several thousand tanks in Russian warehouses
The shortages in the Russian arsenal are evident at many bases, according to the Newsweek publication. This is confirmed by Dr Michael Gjerstad, an analyst at the International Institute for Strategic Studies. The military expert calculates that, according to estimates, the Russians "still have about 3,200 tanks in storage". However, the condition of the remaining machines is significant. – The vast majority of them are in poor technical condition and require significant repairs – believes Gjerstad.
However, it should be noted that according to the General Staff of the Armed Forces of Ukraine, the Russians have lost over 8,000 tanks since the war began. This is also highlighted by Gustav Gressel of the European Council on Foreign Relations, who notes that "the Russians are losing significantly more equipment than they can replace, and their reserves are depleting".
The Russians continue to deliver more tanks to their army
Although analysts say the Russian army reserves are dwindling, it should be remembered that the local defence industry continues to produce, modernise, or repair damaged vehicles. These, in turn, are regularly sent to the frontline as part of subsequent deliveries. Although analyst Gustav Gressel emphasises that current production cannot cover the losses, the equipment that the Russians are sending to combat should not be underestimated.
Recently, the Russian Federation has been supplying many T-90M Proryv tanks to the fight, which are the latest designs in Putin's arsenal and at the same time the most threatening to Ukrainians. This equipment is protected by Relikt reactive armour (covering the turret and hull). At the same time, its offensive capabilities are provided by the 125 mm 2A46M-5 smoothbore gun coupled with the Kalina fire control system. The T-90M Proryv is powered by an engine generating approximately 1,000 horsepower, accelerating the vehicle to a maximum speed of 65 km/h.
