The Kremlin seems to have to use its entire tank arsenal to launch its offensive in Ukraine.
This probably also includes ancient Soviet tanks.
Moscow - In the Ukraine war, several countries of Ukraine have promised to supply modern battle tanks, such as the Leopard 2 or the Abrahams.
At the same time, Russia seems to have fewer and fewer armored vehicles.
This is reported by the American think tank “Institute for the Study of War” (ISW).
The institute relies on reports by the Georgian research group "Conflict Intelligence Team".
For this reason, Russia should now resort to T-54 and T-55 tanks.
These are battle tanks from the post-war period that are still in old warehouses.
Production ceased in the early 1980s.
Ukraine war: Russia risks higher casualties with old tanks
According to information from the ISW, T-54 and T-55 are already being transported "perhaps to be used in Ukraine".
At present, the large losses of armored vehicles would significantly complicate planned offensives in Ukraine.
Soviet tanks are still owned by Russia and are cheaper to repair than newer weapon systems.
However, the use of T-54 and T-55 tanks also harbors dangers for the Russian armed forces: "The Russian military will probably have higher casualty figures if they use these older tanks in Ukraine," summarizes the ISW.
Ukraine war: Soviet-era tanks to save Russia
The old weapon systems do not have the same armor as modern battle tanks.
In addition, they are only equipped with a smaller cannon.
Effectiveness against modern armored vehicles and positions available to Ukraine is unclear.
Additionally, the Ukrainian troops use different systems to disable tanks.
All should be able to be used successfully against the Soviet tanks.
Because of this, ISW experts doubt the effectiveness of T-54 and T-55 tanks in Ukraine.
They are easier to defend than modern weapon systems.
At the same time, soldiers would still have to operate the tanks.
The use of the tanks will probably demand a high death toll.
(LP)
