From pacific to Ukraine: Russia’s costly victory with advanced T‑80BVM tanks

Russian units from distant parts of the country are participating in the fighting in Ukraine, as revealed by a recent announcement from the Russian Ministry of Defense. This information describes the engagement of tank units from the Pacific Ocean Fleet's Marine Infantry in the battle for the village of Novomykhailivka. After over two months of conflict, the Russians seized the town, but at a significant cost.

The Russian Ministry of Defense's statement details the combat activities of tankers from the Far Eastern Marine Infantry units around Novomykhailivka. The victory came at a high price.

According to official Russian sources, these tankers are operating T-80BVM tanks, representing the newest version of the T-80, first deployed in 2017.

The T-80BVM is specifically designed for operations in Arctic conditions. Its turbine engine is believed to perform better in colder environments than diesel engines.

While these tanks are supplied to the units as "new," they are not built from the ground up. Like the American Abrams tanks, constructed using stored armoured hulls to create "new" vehicles, the T-80BVMs are reworked models of the previously manufactured T-80 tanks (T-80U). Considering the combat losses, plans are underway to resume production of new tanks.

The T-80BVM boasts enhanced features across all crucial metrics. The firepower has been augmented by the 2A46M-4 cannon, which offers improved barrel rigidity and can withstand pressures up to 9,427 psi. This cannon is integrated with a new stabilization system and the modern Sosna-U sighting system.

Russian claims that the tank's defensive capabilities have been significantly upgraded with the Relikt modular armour and added screens, reportedly increasing the vehicle's resistance by 40 percent. The T-80BVM also features an enhanced engine, the GTD-1250. These tanks are highly valued by the Russians and Ukrainians, who have managed to capture some of them.

Despite the Russian Ministry of Defense's silence on this matter, the Far Eastern units—namely the 40th and 155th Marine Infantry Brigades—have incurred severe losses in the conflict.

This is attributable to the extent of the fighting and, particularly in the conflict's initial stages, to the inadequate training of Russian troops. The 155th Brigade suffered substantial losses, including during the fight for Vuhledar, and has been associated with atrocities in Bucha and Irpin.