Ukraine's 'Frankenstein tank': Ingenuity in battlefield innovation
Photos of an unusual Ukrainian tank have surfaced on social media. It was constructed using components from the T-90M and T-80BWM, considered the best Russian tanks deployed in Ukraine.
The T-90M is a tank valued at approximately $4.5 million. Vladimir Putin has repeatedly referred to this machine as the "best tank in the world." The T-80BWM, a slightly older and equally significant model for units fighting in Ukraine, is a modernized version of the T-80BW.
The T-90M and T-80BWM boast significantly better armour and enhanced offensive capabilities than older Russian and Soviet-era tanks. These improvements are due not only to the 125 mm calibre guns they use, which can handle various munitions but also to their advanced fire control systems with thermal imaging.
A unique, hybrid tank of the Ukrainians
According to commentators on the war in Ukraine, the "Frankenstein" tank showcased by Ukrainians in the 12th Special Forces Brigade Azov highlights their adaptability in constructing functional combat vehicles from captured or damaged enemy equipment.
According to the defenseromania portal, the turret of this tank retains armour elements from the Russian T-90M. The hull of the Ukrainian "hybrid" has been reinforced with side panels similar to those from the Russian T-80BW and elements of unidentified origin.
Where did the Ukrainians get the Russian parts?
The Russians are losing a significant number of tanks in Ukraine, including the valuable T-90M and T-80BWM models. According to data from the creators of the Oryx blog, which aims to document equipment losses by the parties fighting in Ukraine, the Russians have lost 122 T-90M units and approximately 140 T-80BWM units to date.
This includes not only destroyed units but also those damaged and captured by Ukrainians, enabling them to undertake actions the Russians would prefer not to see. Captured parts and entire Russian tanks can be examined by experts, incorporated into Ukrainian forces, or used as "donors of spare parts." In this instance, the latter scenario came to fruition to some extent as acquired components were used to build a new, previously unseen hybrid on the front lines, referred to as the "Frankenstein tank."
