Russian tank losses in Ukraine war surpass 3,500
It's 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. This number is believed to be underestimated, as it only includes visually confirmed losses.
How many tanks have the Russians lost in Ukraine?
Experts believe that not every destroyed tank will be recorded in video or photos. Additionally, some machines are already in factories, where they can undergo repairs. As a result, considering experiences from other conflicts, the number of Russian tank losses should be reported as about 20 percent higher.
The Russians have sent a wide range of tanks to Ukraine. They utilize very old models, such as the T-54 and T-55, whose production started shortly after World War II. The models lost frequently by them include the T-62M, T-72, T-72B, and T-80.
The most valuable finds for the Ukrainians, however, are the newer and 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."
"Putin’s Pride" is the most modern tank used by the Russians during the war in Ukraine. It is equipped with a smoothbore gun 2A46M-5 calibre 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 managed ongoing production, estimated to be in the range of 400 to 600 new tanks per year.
The Ukrainians are in a worse position. Although they had lost significantly fewer tanks, about 950 when the war broke out, they had much more modest reserves, and assistance from the West dramatically slowed down. NATO countries can 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.
