T‑34-85 tanks roll into Belarus as new brigade rumours swirl
Russia has sent ten T-34-85 tanks to Belarus. The machines are expected to participate in a parade in Minsk. Still, experts predict other uses for the equipment—satellite images of a nearby military unit may confirm the formation of a new military brigade. We describe the capabilities of the T-34-85.
Information has appeared on Russian channels that the Russian Federation has transported ten T-34-85 tanks to Belarus. The machines were transported in phases.
The deputy head of the Belarusian army's armament stated that the T-34-85s are in excellent technical condition and can participate in combat tasks.
"The T-34 tanks that arrived from the Russian Federation are in excellent technical condition and are ready not only to march solemnly at the parade but also, if necessary, to carry out a combat mission."
Is Belarus forming a new brigade?
The T-34-85 tanks are to participate in the parade in Minsk on July 7 at 7:00 PM GMT, but the transport of the machines may also serve another purpose. Earlier, reports were that a new military brigade was being formed in Belarus equipped with Iskander missile launchers.
The Belarusian service Radio Svoboda and military experts analyzed satellite images of the military unit in Osipovichi, Mogilev region. The Belarusian forces are constructing two new hangars there, which can accommodate 24 Iskander launchers (the number that makes up a division of machines in the Russian army).
Anton Gerashchenko noted that the military unit is far from the Asipovichi training ground and the artillery ammunition depot. The new division could use the nearby nuclear warhead storage.
World War II tank
The T-34-85 is a medium tank designed during World War II (some may recognize it from the series "Four Tank-men and a Dog"). The vehicle was built in the so-called classic design layout. The armour was made of rolled plates, and the turret was made of cast elements.
The tank's armament includes a ZiS-S-53 85mm gun and two DTM 7.62mm machine guns. The initial versions of the tank had a crew of five, but in later models, T-34-85M1 and M2, it was reduced to four by eliminating the bow gunner.
