Russian tanks and armored vehicles. Tank division How many new tanks are in the Russian army
Maneuverable, powerful and efficient tanks are a reliable basis for the Armed Forces of any country. The constant arms race, going on behind the scenes between the leading countries of the world, obliges designers to create improved models of combat vehicles. The best tanks of our time are vehicles, each of which has unique functions and capabilities.
Challenger 2, UK
Challenger 2, unlike other modern combat vehicles, is equipped with a rifled gun with a diameter of 120 mm. Internal threading allows you to effectively hit objects at a distance of over 5 kilometers. Challenger 2 is the record holder for the longest range of tank battles.
This tank is the most protected in the world. Special armor, which is based on the classified Dorchester armor, consisting of an alloy of steel, Kevlar, and ceramics. This connection reduces the power of impacts from incoming projectiles. It is capable of effectively countering direct-fire weapons. However, reliable armor made it significantly heavier. Challenger. Combined with a relatively low-power engine, this made the tank slow and clumsy.
The built-in combat information system and computer fire control help in difficult conditions.
These tanks performed well in the Iraq War (2003). In the Battle of Basra, an armored brigade took part in the advance on the city. Later combat vehicles entered into battle with Iraqi tanks. This was the largest tank battle since World War II - the British were able to destroy 15 enemy vehicles without losing a single tank.
During the entire existence of Challenger 2, its armor was damaged only once - as a result of an erroneous hit by exactly the same tank.
T-90 (“Vladimir”), Russia
The main battle tank of Russia. At the beginning of the 21st century, it was the best-selling product, having the best price-quality ratio.
A unique feature of the Russian combat vehicle is the Kalina fire control system, in many respects superior to analogues. It allows you to hit enemy targets that are in motion with the first shot, even in unfavorable weather conditions.
The 22-round machine gun is capable of firing up to 9 shots per minute. At the same time, it can fire anti-tank guided missiles.
The special design allows the T-90 to overcome water obstacles up to 5 meters deep. Based on the results of many tests, including indicators such as shooting accuracy, maneuverability, and wear resistance, this tank occupies a leading position, leaving behind the famous tanks of other powers.
There are suggestions that in 1995 several T-90 combat units took part in the Chechen War, but this is not documented. Russian tanks took part in the fighting in Ukraine, acting on the side of the militias, and were used in the liquidation of the Ilovaisk cauldron and in the assault on the security forces near Lugansk. T-90 included Syrian army took part in recent military operations in Syria.
Type 10, Japan
Japan's newest combat vehicle. Its uniqueness lies in its equipment innovative mechanisms electronic and computer combat systems - automatic charging system and panoramic view.
Automatic continuously variable transmission allows you to develop maximum speed when moving in both directions. Type 10 has a hydropneumatic suspension that allows you to change the ground clearance and degree of inclination of the body. This improves cross-country ability and increases the vertical guidance range of the gun. The reduced ground clearance makes it possible to lower the tank to the bottom, making it less noticeable.
The crew is housed in a special compartment covered with more durable nanocrystalline steel.
M1 Abrams, USA
One of the few tanks with a weapon protection system mass destruction. In the case of nuclear or chemical attack the system feeds the crew fresh air and blocks the entry of poisons and dust into the fighting compartment.
Abrams is equipped with chemical and radiation reconnaissance instruments and is equipped with an innovative fire control system. The vehicle is reinforced with uranium armor and has the latest guns. Over the 35-year history of this tank, there have been no recorded cases of complete destruction of the crew, which indicates its excellent security.
The M1 Abrams is equipped with advanced thermal sensors and navigation surveillance systems. The gas turbine engine has excellent performance, but is difficult to maintain and requires a lot of fuel.
One of the main advantages of this combat vehicle is the ability to remotely control weapons.
Abrams received their first battle experience in 1991 during military operations in Persian Gulf. Thanks to their technical superiority, American tanks successfully destroyed Iraqi vehicles.
M1 Abrams also took part in the seven-year war in Iraq. In the battles, the Americans suffered significant losses - out of 1,200 combat vehicles, 800 received damage of varying degrees of severity.
Merkava, Israel
A distinctive feature of this tank is the front location of the engine and transmission compartment, which provides additional protection for the crew. Another feature of the combat vehicle is the rear compartment for transporting wounded or landing troops. This adds versatility to the tank and the ability to vary actions in accordance with the combat situation.
Merkava was the first to use the complex active protection, effectively shooting down missiles and shells approaching the tank.
It is perfectly protected - the modular armor can be quickly replaced. Special attention paid attention to camouflage - so that the tank was not noticeable on the battlefield, the designers changed the shade of the exhaust gases. The defense system is capable of informing about threats and neutralizing missiles.
The new projectile guidance system is especially effective against low-flying helicopters.
Leopard 2, Germany
It has an advanced fire control system that allows you to effectively hit moving targets while in continuous motion.
Overlay armor protects against mines, landmines, missiles, and cluster munitions.
Leopard has a special installation that ensures the functioning of all electronic systems without turning on the main engine. The tank is equipped with one of the best modifications of guns and two machine guns, which, thanks to a laser rangefinder system, can hit targets at a distance of up to 5 kilometers.
The advantages of Leopard 2 are provided by an information interaction system, improved daytime and thermal imaging sights, dynamic protection, and an attack information system. Excellent performance in combat mode.
Several other models of combat vehicles also have excellent efficiency and maneuverability.
K2 Black Panther, South Korea:
It has innovative tracking systems and fires about 10 rounds per minute. Protected by composite and reactive armor, has active and passive protection. Guidance systems automatically identify the target and launch projectiles.
Each of us knows the phrase of the Roman historian Cornelius Nepos (94-24 BC): “If you want peace, prepare for war.” Due to the fact that in Lately is gaining more and more activity (for example, intervention in the conflict between the United States and Syria, the return of Crimea, etc.), many sensible people have a lot of questions about the combat capability of our state. After all, sooner or later the issue may be resolved politically It’s unlikely to work, then the only option left will be forceful intervention. And many people understand this, which is why more and more often on various forums you can find questions of a similar nature: “How many tanks does Russia have?”, “How many submarines?” etc. Such interest reflects people's concern for the future of the country: will it be able to withstand an armed attack from, say, China or NATO forces. In this article we will answer the question of how many tanks Russia has, consider what kind of armored vehicles they are, what are their characteristics and what is the most modern tank is in service in our army.
What kind of army is this?
Russian tank forces are the main impact force They are mainly used in conjunction with motorized rifle units in the main directions. This branch of the military is designed to perform the following main tasks:
1. In defense - direct support of motorized rifles when repelling an enemy offensive, launching counterattacks and counterstrikes.
2. On the offensive - delivering powerful strikes that cut the front to great depths, developing success, defeating the enemy in oncoming battles and battles.
Russian tank forces are divided into brigades and battalions; they have great firepower and resistance to damaging factors nuclear weapons, high maneuverability and mobility. They are able to make maximum use of the results of nuclear or fire destruction of the enemy, in short time achieve the final goal of an operation or battle.
Combat capabilities
Russian tank divisions, their formations and subunits allow them to conduct active combat operations both day and night, in a significant separation from the main forces, conduct raids behind enemy lines, destroy enemy equipment and manpower in oncoming battles and battles, and overcome radioactive zones on the move. infection, as well as force water bodies. In addition, they are capable of quickly creating a very strong defense, as well as successfully resisting attacks by significantly superior enemy forces.
The development of the combat capabilities of this type of troops is carried out by equipping it with more advanced types of armored vehicles, which optimally combine the following most important combat qualities: high firepower, reliable protection and maneuverability. In improving the necessary organizational forms Combined arms tank units play an important role. This primarily corresponds to the content of the tactics of conducting modern combat operations.
Russian tank forces: revival after decline?
The crisis that befell the Russian army in the 90s of the last century, of course, did not spare the tank troops. And the concern of ordinary people asking the question “how many tanks does Russia have” is completely justified. After all, the nineties literally became a black page in the history of our army. Take, for example, the rapid withdrawal of troops from Mongolia and of Eastern Europe, when a lot of ultra-modern technology at that time was left to adjacent territories, and the one that was returned was, in fact, thrown into the mud, with consequences for the technology. As a result, expensive cars were reduced to scrap metal. In addition, personnel suffered significant damage: a huge number of very promising officers with impressive combat experience were forced to leave the ranks of the armed forces.
The first “bell” for the country’s leadership was the conflict in Chechnya, when hastily assembled units, often with faulty and dismantled equipment, began to suffer serious losses. However, this tragedy did not stop further degradation tank troops Russia. Quality of preparation personnel left much to be desired, and the acquisition of new generation equipment was completely stopped. The development of new models was based on the enthusiasm of designers and engineers, as well as individual military leaders. The defense complex producing armored vehicles either became bankrupt or reoriented towards export.
The beginning of the revival
New Age battle tanks Russia was met while fighting in Chechnya. The sad experience of the first campaign was taken into account, and now the losses among armored vehicles were significantly less. In 2000, it was first announced that a new modern tank, known as the T-95, or “Object 195,” was being created. It was assumed that he would enter the army by 2005. However, this did not happen. The first purchases took place in 2004, but it was not the long-awaited T-95s that entered service, but the modernized T-90A, and even then in the amount of 15 units. In 2005, another 17 machines were purchased. These Russians were the best production models at that time, however new Age demanded and new technology, and the quantity of supplies clearly did not meet the requirements of the huge country. Only since 2006, purchases began to be made in acceptable quantities, in addition, the modernization of “old” equipment was actively carried out. However best tank Russia (T-95) remained a dream: its deliveries were constantly postponed.
Would-be reformers
The rearmament program adopted by the Ministry of Defense specified in detail how many armored vehicles needed to be modernized and how many new tanks should be manufactured. True, it was still not clear which models should be produced: T-90A or T-95? As a result, those who had passed through two Chechen wars battered T-72B, and also nicknamed “museum” T-62. Tank troops in this operation showed themselves with best side, as a result of which the southern group received the main tank of Russia - the T-90A. Probably in order to cool down the militant Saakashvili.
After the events described above, another army reform begins in the country. As a result, Russian tank forces were reduced to the level of battalions and a few brigades. The unfortunate reformers refused to purchase the T-90A, the development of a new one was completely stopped combat module"Burlak". And, most importantly, Russia’s promising most modern tank, the T-95, never left the assembly line and was sent to scrap. However, the country's leadership came to their senses in time, the Minister of Defense was removed from his post and a new one was appointed. The result of such changes was a new serious project in tank building - the development of a new Armata platform based on the T-95 and Object 640 (Black Eagle). "Armata" will be a universal platform for a new generation of armored vehicles: self-propelled guns, tanks, infantry and support vehicles, as well as repair and recovery equipment. This installation has no analogues in the world; all innovative developments of Russian design bureaus are collected here.
Still to come
2013 was a landmark year in the life of the Russian tank forces: as numerous surprise inspections have shown, many reforms did not affect the quality of combat training. Therefore, a strong-willed decision was made to sharply increase the norms of allocated ammunition. In addition, much has been done to increase the prestige of this type of troops. As soon as they didn’t scold “ Tank biathlon", but thanks to these competitions, the citizens of our country for the first time in long years We remembered that, it turns out, we still have tank troops. The Kantemirovskaya division was recreated. And currently, active rearmament and modernization of combat vehicles is underway. Already today, even though they are experienced, the first samples of the “Armata” family have already been manufactured.
However, unfortunately, it is still too early to talk about results. We can only note the positive dynamics. Answering the reader’s question about what tanks are in Russia’s arsenal today, all that remains is to state the fact that the basis of our armed forces is still the old technology T-72B and T-80BV. There is still a lot to be done to make our army truly modern.
Tanks in Russian service: T-64
This model was designed back in 1960, its mass production began in 1963, and it was put into service in 1967. The design of this vehicle used an improved version of the traditional turret layout with a rear-mounted engine compartment and separate crew accommodations. These tanks were equipped with a rifled 100-mm cannon with 50 rounds of ammunition. Monolithic differentiated armor, a two-stroke diesel power unit, and a mechanical transmission were used. The frontal elements of the turret and body are capable of withstanding a direct hit from a 100 mm armor-piercing projectile from a distance of one kilometer. As you can see, these tanks have been in Russian service for 47 years, which is already a long time. At one time, the T-60 was an excellent representative of the tank family and could compete with vehicles in service with the NATO bloc, but time passes, and the technical fleet requires modernization, and urgently.
T-72 battle tank
Serial production of the T-72A continued from 1979 to 1985 at the plant in Nizhny Tagil. Later, at its base they began to produce an export version - the T-72M tank, and then its further modification - the T-72M1. After 1985, the modernized T-72B and its export version T-72S went into serial production. The last tank and to this day reliably serves in our army. In addition, it was massively exported to Eastern European countries, India, Finland, Yugoslavia, Syria, Iraq, Kuwait and Algeria. As you can see, the geography of distribution is very extensive. It showed excellent results in various climatic conditions, and, despite its age, continues to serve in different corners of our planet. It was equipped with diesel power units capable of reaching speeds of up to 65 km/h, and very reliable 125 mm guns. The weight of the car was 41 tons. On the basis of this tank, the BREM-1, the IMR-2 engineering vehicle, and the MTU-72 bridge laying vehicle were developed.
T-80 battle tank
This vehicle was put into service back in 1976. It became the world's first production model with a main power unit based on a gas turbine engine. Development of the system began back in 1955. The gas turbine engine was finally put into service in 1968. It was a power unit with a power of 1000 hp. With. The design of the combat vehicle uses elements developed and tested on the T-64A: automatic loader, gun, ammunition, individual components and mechanisms of the armor protection and fire control system. The new unit led to an increase in the mass of the tank, and consequently to a change in dynamic characteristics. As a result, the designers had to design a new chassis: tracks with rubber-coated treadmills, hydraulic shock absorbers and torsion shafts with improved characteristics, track and support rollers, and driving wheel guides.
T-90 battle tank
This best tank in Russia is an improved T-72B. Entered into service in 1993. The appearance of the vehicle was caused by the need to modernize (taking into account the war in the Persian Gulf) existing models of equipment, as well as the reorientation of production to exclusively Russian components, because after that part of the defense complex remained abroad. These modern Russian tanks have a very low profile. The frontal armor of the round flat tower is reinforced with the second generation tiled type. The driver's cabin is located in the front part of the body. Above it there is a hatch and an observation system with wide-angle optics. The bow is equipped with a special acute-angled oval. The tank is equipped with a 125-mm cannon equipped with a thermally insulating casing.
How many tanks does Russia have?
Now let’s stop tormenting the reader and move on to the main issue of this article. Let's look at the number of tanks in Russia and list the top 10 countries by this parameter. It turns out that our country is the absolute leader here: on the balance sheet of the Ministry of Defense there are as many as 18,177 units of the mentioned military equipment. Of these, the main tanks are T-72B (7144 units), T-80 (4744 units) and T-64 (4000 units). In addition, the T-62 (689 vehicles) and T-55 (1,200 tanks) are in service. The tank forces have the fewest new generation armored vehicles - the T-90, with only 400 units. Agree that this is an insignificant figure for such a large army. Let's hope that the situation continues to change in the near future, and in a few years the statistics will change for the better.
Now let's see which country ranks second in our ranking. This is the United States - Russia's main competitor in the political arena. The US Army has 9,125 tanks, of which 8,725 are M1 Ambrams. As you can see, the American military is conservative - the basis of their tank forces is only one model. Third place in the ranking is occupied by our eastern neighbor and strategic partner - China, which is armed with 8,500 armored vehicles, including 500 Type-99 tanks. The top three were far ahead of their pursuers. So, fourth place is occupied, oddly enough, by Syria with its 4,750 vehicles, most of which have a proud inscription: “Made in Russia.” Next on the list are: Turkey - 3763, India - 3569, Egypt - 3380, North Korea - 3300, Israel - 3283, and closes the top ten South Korea- 2823 units.
Why all this?
From the above data it is clear that the number of tanks in Russia significantly exceeds the number of combat units of its closest competitor (almost twice). A pacifist-liberal-minded reader may burst into an angry tirade about wasted money (on the creation and maintenance of such a lot of “hardware”). However, in response, we can remind him of the ancient wisdom with which we began this article: “If you want peace, prepare for war!” After all, being weak in the modern world is dangerous. If you don’t periodically give your neighbors a hard time, you can lose, if not everything, then a lot. So, our strategic partner, China, is dreaming of how to grab Siberia for itself right up to the Urals, and the NATO bloc is already knocking on our doors from the West.
By the way, in connection with the latest events in Ukraine, we can expand our review a little. It turns out that the Ministry of Defense of Kyiv has 2,522 tanks on its balance sheet, and this is the eleventh position in our ranking. True, these statistical data were taken from our neighbors even before the start of the conflict, so after the loss of Crimea and the outbreak of hostilities in the Donetsk and Lugansk regions, this figure may decrease. After all, even official sources controlled by Kyiv reported combat losses among armored vehicles and even the defection of some military personnel to the side of the rebels. Well, okay, enough about the sad, let's go back to Mother Russia.
The future of tank building
As previously reported, the Russian army is developing the latest Armata system, which will become the basis for the creation of new types of armored vehicles. In this regard, from 2015 it is planned to begin a serious modernization of mechanized and armored forces, and from next year - the introduction of a new series of vehicles into all branches of our country's troops. One such model is newest tank Russian T-99. This example will be equipped with an improved version of the 125 mm gun. One of the main tasks set for the designers is to reduce the weight of the machine in order to increase maneuverability and mobility. In fact, it was these parameters that caused the T-95 and Object 195 to burn out. After all, the main task of our tanks is to protect long land borders. Armored vehicles are playing key role in maintaining military parity against any threat. It should be understood that our country is distinguished not only by its vast territory, but also by very diverse climatic conditions. The designers are faced with a very serious task: the creation of equipment that can function reliably both in Arctic conditions and in southern regions our vast Motherland. The T-99 must meet all these conditions. The new generation tank (Russia has always been distinguished by “Kulibins”, capable of solving any seemingly impossible task) is almost ready for mass production. As stated by the Ministry of Defense, the first copies will be demonstrated to the public at the parade on May 9, 2015. So we can only wait and hope that the country will not be hit by another political crisis that could destroy any initiatives.
Instructions
In service since 2005 Ground Forces The following tanks remained in the Russian Federation: T-72BA, T-80 in several modifications and T-90A. The most modern of them is the T-90A. Currently, the Ministry is not purchasing new tank models until the creation of a single Armata tank platform, which is planned to be presented to the public in 2015.
T-72BA is the T-72 main battle tank, modernized to the modern level, adopted by the USSR in 1972. The T-72 tank was the most mass tank II generation in the world. It was in service in dozens of countries around the world, and is still in service in some. It differed favorably from the T-64 tank, which was in service with the USSR in the 60s, 70s and 80s, in terms of its low cost and manufacturability. It was these two qualities that made the T-72 popular all over the world. They stopped producing the tank in the 90s, but not yet out of service. Total There are about 15,000 tanks in service.
The T-80 is represented by modifications T-80BA, T-80UA and T-80U-E1, which are just different options for upgrading the base tank. The T-80 tank itself became the world's first tank with a gas turbine engine, entering service with the USSR in 1976. Until the end of the 80s, the T-80 tank was considered the most advanced tank in the world, but its operation was 2.5 times higher than the cost of operation of the diesel T-72, which was too expensive even by Soviet standards. Therefore, the number of T-80s in the troops was several times less than T-72s. In fact, it has not been produced since the early 90s, and legally since 1996. The total number of tanks in service is 6,000.
T-90A is a modernized T-90 tank, adopted by Russia in 1992. In fact, the T-90 is a successful plan for a cheap and serious modernization of the same T-72. At the development stage it was called T-72BU, but in marketing purposes then it was renamed T-90. Considered the most advanced tank Russian army, but their number is negligible - about 800 copies. Despite the loud statements of patriots about the perfection of the tank, its characteristics lag behind many modern tanks developed countries. The only huge plus is the low price, good quality and not very strong obsolescence due to periodic upgrades.
There are also 23,000 obsolete T-55 and T-64 tanks in the warehouses of the Ministry of Defense. Formally, they are not in service with the Ground Forces, but if necessary, they can be used en masse. At one time, the country spent enormous efforts and resources on the production of these tanks, so it would be a pity to simply dispose of them. Small batches of them are slowly being sold to third world countries, which cannot afford a dozen modern tanks, but are quite capable of purchasing hundreds of T-55s.
In chapter
The Russian Ministry of Defense has decided to prepare 6 thousand old tanks for return from arsenals. Previously former minister Defense Anatoly Serdyukov demanded the disposal of all obsolete vehicles, and now this decision has been revised. Mass modernization of obsolete tanks has already begun. “Our Version” found out why such a decision was made, why Russia needed such a tank armada.
In 2011, Anatoly Serdyukov approved plans for an unprecedented program to destroy surplus Soviet-made armored vehicles. It was planned to scrap 2.5 thousand T-62 tanks; 2 thousand – T-64; 3.5 thousand - T-80B and 7 thousand - T-72 various modifications. The program was partially implemented, and currently about 10 thousand military weapons are stored in military arsenals. armored vehicles that remain from the Soviet legacy. The Russian Ministry of Defense planned to dispose of 6 thousand old tanks.
"Armata" is not ready
The seven-year-old recycling list also included thousands of armored personnel carriers, infantry fighting vehicles, repair and recovery vehicles and engineering vehicles on tracked chassis. It was planned to replace these combat vehicles only with modern armored vehicles, while the number of armored vehicles is sharply reduced. So, total number tanks, most of which were supposed to be modern "Armata", should not exceed 2 thousand.
However, this year the concept of using obsolete tanks has unexpectedly and dramatically changed. Now it has been decided to stop large-scale recycling. Most of armored vehicles will be updated taking into account modern technologies. New guidance systems, thermal imagers, and protection systems will be installed on armored vehicles.
Most likely, the situation is connected with the unavailability of the Armata - according to Our Version, it will take several more years to fine-tune it. At the same time, the cost of this tank turned out to be significantly overestimated. Even if the military department does not completely abandon the purchase plan for this tank, the amount of equipment purchased could be significantly reduced.
The process of modernizing outdated equipment has already begun. The Russian Ministry of Defense states that by the end of 2018, the equipment of the 80th Separate Motorized Rifle Brigade (MSBR), which is based in the village of Pechenga, will be fully completed with modernized T-80BVM tanks. Murmansk region. In the future, these combat vehicles will also be received by the 200th Motorized Rifle Brigade.
Currently, T-72 tanks are being tested, on which new engines and weapons guidance and control systems are installed.
In addition, other armored vehicles are being modernized. BMP-2 is being brought to the modern level. The Ministry of Defense is testing the modernized BMP-1 infantry fighting vehicle, the project has received the code “Basurmanin”. According to experts, the BMP-1 is hopelessly outdated, but the military department still decided to give it new life. The car was equipped modern system guidance, automatic target tracking and thermal imager. Let us recall that these combat vehicles were put into service more than half a century ago and were used in dozens of local conflicts Worldwide.
Despite optimistic statements from the military department, according to a number of experts, outdated tank equipment, even after deep modernization, remains of limited combat effectiveness.
For example, the BMP-1 received the slang name “battle grave of the infantry” from the infantrymen due to its weak armor. At the same time, the modernization plans do not say anywhere that armor protection will be improved. Moreover, in modern conditions they have no chance against high-precision anti-tank systems, for example, the American FGM-148 Javelin man-portable anti-tank missile systems.
On this topic
The problem of hazing in the Russian army still exists, despite the fact that the length of service in the armed forces has been reduced to one year. This phenomenon is due to a number of reasons, including insufficient prevention of violence.
Alexander KHRAMCHYKHIN, Deputy Director of the Institute of Political and Military Analysis:
– I don’t think that modernization is connected with the lack of money to purchase new equipment. But today in Russia there is only one truly modern tank - the Armata, but it is not yet ready for full operation. Even the T-90s are already outdated and, by the way, are also at the storage base today. It is possible that outdated tanks will be modernized and used until a new tank is brought into working condition. It is possible that it is planned to create new tank units, so it was urgently needed a large number of tanks.
Modernized tanks were tested on Syrians
But the experience of combat operations in Syria has shown that against armies with weak anti-tank weapons, the use of even outdated tanks in some cases is justified.
In fact, the 4th Armored Division of the Syrian Army became the platform for the experiment. A large number of Russian military advisers have been stationed here for the past few years. Syrian tank crews tested modernized tanks and tried out new tactics tank battle. You can observe the sequence of how the combat effectiveness of this division changed. Back in 2012, in the battle for Idlib, the division carried heavy losses and was ineffective. And in the period from 2013 to 2014, modernized T-55MV tanks appeared in service with Syrian tankers. These are completely outdated Soviet armored vehicles, but after deep modernization their capabilities have increased significantly. During this period, the division carried out its first successful major operation - on the southern outskirts of Damascus it repelled a massive militant offensive with minimal losses. Moreover, they were armed with modern American anti-tank weapons missile systems(ATGM) and anti-tank guided missiles (ATGM).
In 2015, having also received the T-72 with effective protection, the 4th Division conducts a whole series of successful offensive operations. After the T-72AV and T-72M1 tanks of the 4th Armored Division received the innovative TURMS-T fire control system, their effectiveness increased significantly. Today, Syrian tank crews successfully conduct even the most difficult street battles, supporting the attacking infantry with fire. The riflemen, in turn, cut off militants with ATGMs from the tanks.
Thus, the pattern was once again confirmed that tanks still remain an effective tool modern warfare. It's also about the cynical economics of war. After all, sometimes it turned out that the cost of modernization was lower than the means with which they tried to destroy this equipment.
Taking into account this experiment, tanks will now be modernized for the needs of the Russian military. But obviously the army does not need such a large number of tanks. Perhaps after the update the other part will find buyers abroad. In any case, now in the Middle East, for example in Syria and Iraq, Russian tanks are in serious demand.
1. The Russian Army has almost 23 thousand battle tanks. The majority of the 2,700 combat-ready tanks in the Russian Army are T-72B3 and T-80U. Currently in Russia there are about 350 T-90/T-90A tanks of various modifications in service and another 200 are stored in reserve.
2. In the USA, about 10 thousand battle tanks are M1 Abrams tanks and its modifications.
3. China has about 9 thousand battle tanks, in service are Type 59 and Type 96 tanks, and a large number of Type 99 with a 125 mm gun.
4. India has 6 thousand battle tanks. The majority are T-72s with a 125-mm cannon, there are also T-55 tanks, 640 T-90S tanks, and about 200 ArjunMk.I tanks of our own design have entered service.
5. B North Korea 5500 battle tanks. The basis of the tank formations are the T-62 and T-54/55 battle tanks, as well as the Chinese Type 59. The fleet of light tanks consists of the M-1975 of its own design, the Soviet PT-76 and the Chinese Type 62 and Type 63. Domestic tank M-1985 is considered the largest amphibious tank in the world.
6. There are 4,750 battle tanks in Syria. Syria received most of its tanks from Russia, including the T-54, T-55, T-62 and T-72. In 2015, T-90A appeared in Syria.
7. Egypt has 4,145 battle tanks, and the country also uses former Soviet Union, including the Ramses II main tank, which is based on the Soviet T-54.
8. Pakistan has 4 thousand battle tanks. The Pakistani Al-Zarrar tank is based on the Chinese Type 59 tank, in addition, the country is armed with tank type 85.
9. There are 3,784 battle tanks in Ukraine. Most of the tanks are T-64s left over from the collapse of the USSR.
10. Turkey has 3,763 battle tanks. The country is armed with many American and German-made tanks, such as the M48 Patton and Leopard 2A4.
Modern Russian tank / Photo: Nastol.com.ua
The Business Insider portal analyzed which tanks are in service with the Russian army and how many combat vehicles are in reserve. Despite the fact that the latest T-14 Armata tank was shown at the parade in 2015, there are few of these vehicles in the army.
The publication writes that the tank will be ready for full service no earlier than 2019. In the meantime, the majority of the 2,700 combat-ready tanks in the Russian army are T-72B3 and T-80U.
Developed in the mid-50s, the T-55 tank is armed with a 100 mm cannon and can accelerate to 50 km/h. Over the years of production, the tank has been modernized more than once and today there are a large number of modifications of the 55. Now these tanks are not used by the Russian military, but about 2,800 T-55s are still stored in warehouses.
Produced from 1961 to 1975, the T-62 tank is armed with a smoothbore cannon and is capable of speeds of up to 50 km/h on the highway and up to 27 km/h over rough terrain.
The T-62 performed well during both Chechen campaigns and now continues to fight in Syria (Russia supplies these tanks to the army of Bashar al-Assad). In Russia, these tanks were withdrawn from service in 2011. Currently, there are about 2,500 T-62s of various modifications in storage.
The T-64 is equipped with a powerful 125 mm smoothbore cannon with an automatic loader and is capable of firing up to eight rounds per minute. The T-64 could fire Cobra guided missiles at a range of up to 4 km and was protected combined armor in frontal projection. These tanks served for a relatively short time and were sent to reserve. In total, there are about 2,000 of these tanks of various modifications in storage.
Production of this tank began in 1992. The T-90 received a 125-mm 2A46M-2 cannon, a thermal imager, a new engine, enhanced armor and other improvements. Currently in Russia there are about 350 T-90/T-90A tanks of various modifications in service and another 200 are stored in reserve.
The T-80U entered service in 1985. He was the first in the world serial tank with a single gas turbine power plant and anti-ballistic dynamic protection.
The T-80 could be accelerated to 80 km/h, the tank simply flew along the highway. Currently, the troops have 450 T-80U tanks, another 3000 (T-80B, T-80BV, T-80U) are in storage.
Such combat vehicles are in service with the Kantemirovskaya Division, an elite tank unit of the Russian army.
This is the most advanced version of the T-72 tank, featuring a new engine with a power of 1130 Horse power and a more advanced fire control system. The tank has become more accurate in hitting targets due to the introduction of the Sosna-U multi-channel gunner's sight, developed in Belarus, a digital ballistic computer with a set of weather sensors, and an automatic target tracking machine. In total, the Russian army has 1,900 T-72s in service, with another 7,000 in reserve.
T-14 "Armata"
The latest Russian tank, equipped with a 125 mm 2A82-1C smoothbore gun mounted in an uninhabited turret, with fully remote digital control.
Its range of hitting targets is up to 7000 meters and its rate of fire is 10-12 rounds per minute. For comparison: American tank M1A2 SEP V3 Abrams can hit targets at a range of 3.8 km, writes Business Insider.
This tank is technologically more advanced than any Russian or Western one, but the cost of its production is very high. Therefore, Business Insider doubts that Russia will be able to afford mass production T-14 "Armata".
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