Russia's tank losses in Ukraine war exceed 3,500
It is estimated that during the war in Ukraine, the Russian army has already lost about 3,500 tanks. Despite this, the situation regarding such machines is better than that of the Ukrainian military.
In February this year, the International Institute for Strategic Studies (IISS) reported calculations indicating that the Russian army has lost more than 3,000 tanks since the beginning of the war in Ukraine. It is believed this number is underestimated because it only includes visually confirmed losses.
How many tanks have the Russians lost in Ukraine?
The expert believes it's necessary to consider that not every destroyed tank will be recorded on video or photos. Additionally, some machines are already in factories, where they can undergo repairs. As a result, additionally considering experiences from other conflicts, the number of Russian tank losses should be reported as about 20 percent higher.
The Russians have deployed a wide range of tanks in Ukraine. They use very old models, such as the T-54 and T-55, whose production started shortly after World War II. Frequently used and thus lost by them are, among others, the T-62M, T-72, T-72B, or T-80.
The most valuable captures for the Ukrainians, however, are the newer, better-equipped Russian tanks, such as the T-80BWM with an advanced thermal observation system and a 2,000 horsepower engine, and especially the T-90M Proryv, known as "Putin's pride".
This is the most modern tank used by the Russians during the war in Ukraine. It has a smoothbore gun 2A46M-5 cal. 125 mm and the Kalina fire control system based on third-generation Catherine-FC thermal imaging cameras. Its armour is reinforced with Relikt reactive modules, and a 1,340 horsepower engine provides a maximum speed of about 64 km/h (approximately 40 mph).
Ukrainians have suffered fewer losses but are in a worse situation
Despite such high losses, the Russians' tank situation is not hopeless, as they had large reserves and took care of ongoing production, which is estimated to be in the range of 400 to 600 new tanks per year.
The Ukrainians are in a worse position. Although they lost significantly less, about 950 tanks when the war broke out, they had much more modest reserves, and assistance from the West dramatically slowed down. NATO countries are currently able to allocate only around an additional 200-300 tanks.
We remind you that Ukraine has received many older Soviet tanks and Western designs as part of the support. Various models of German Leopards, British Challenger 2s, and 31 M1A1 Abrams tanks from the United States have been sent to the front.
