Russian forces deploy vintage T‑54 tanks amid Ukraine conflict

A video circulating online shows a train with Russian T-54 tanks spotted near Moscow. According to OSINT experts, the video was recorded recently, and the machines are most likely heading to Ukraine. However, there are some doubts about why the Russians are deciding to send old tanks. The first T-54s rolled off the production line in 1946. What is known about these machines?

The T-54 tanks and their development, the T-55, are nothing new in Ukraine. These machines have been on the front line since the beginning of the war. However, they are among the Russian army's oldest tanks still in service. The T-54, a Soviet first-generation post-war main battle tank, was developed at the Design Bureau of Plant No. 183 under the direction of A.A. Morozov as the successor to the T-34 tank. Its prototype was created in 1946. Shortly after that, mass production of the first version of the vehicle, the T-54 Model 1946, began. In the following years, more models were produced with various improvements.

As reported by WP Tech journalist Przemysław Juraszek, a drawback of this type of tank is its weak protection. Its armour consists solely of steel. This means that most modern anti-tank handheld weapons with shaped charges can penetrate it. Hence, the T-54 crew faces considerable risk, especially when operating close to the front line.

According to Military History, approximately 86,000 to 100,000 units of T-54 and T-55 tanks were produced, gradually replacing newer designs such as the T-72, T-80, and T-90. This service also notes that the T-54 and T-55 did not have the opportunity to engage directly with NATO tanks, but early in the Cold War, they prompted other countries to strengthen their armoured forces. The United Kingdom decided to develop the new Royal Ordnance L7 tank gun, and the United States developed the M60 Patton main battle tank.

It cannot be ruled out that in Ukraine, Russian T-54 and T-55 tanks have engaged in battles with NATO tanks. Western allies have provided Kyiv with many different tank models. Examples include the American M1A1 Abrams (seen in Ukraine with additional reinforcements in Kontakt-1 reactive armour and anti-drone cages) and Leopard 2A4 tanks produced by the German defence industry.