The Institute for the Study of War calculated how many tanks there are in Russia. Modern battle tanks of Russia and the world photos, videos, pictures watch online Tankers of the Russian Federation

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 recently there has been increasing 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 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 make it possible to conduct active fighting 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 engagements, overcome radioactive contamination zones on the move, and also 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.

Development of combat capabilities of this kind troops is carried out by equipping them with more advanced types of armored vehicles, which optimally combine the following most important combat qualities: high firepower, reliable protection and maneuverability. Combined-arms tank units play an important role in improving the necessary organizational forms. 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 Eastern Europe, when a lot of state-of-the-art equipment at that time was left behind 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

Russian battle tanks welcomed the new century 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, but the new century also required 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, the best tank in Russia (T-95) remained a dream: its deliveries were constantly delayed.

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. The tank forces showed their best performance in this operation, as a result of which the southern group received the main Russian tank, the T-90A, into service. 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, 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 continues to reliably serve in our army to this day. 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 has shown excellent results in various climatic conditions, and, despite its age, continues to serve in various parts 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 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, driving wheel guides.

T-90 battle tank

This best Russian tank is an improved T-72B. Entered service in 1993. The appearance of the vehicle was caused by the need for modernization (taking into account the war in 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, the weak in modern world be 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, Russian army develops the latest system"Armata", 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 - implementation new series vehicles for all types of troops in our country. 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.

In the coming months, the T-90M Proryv-3 main battle tank (object 188M) will be adopted by the Russian army. The first batch that will go to the troops will be 30-40 vehicles. TASS reports this with reference to the press service of the Uralvagonzavod corporation (UVZ).

The T-90 "Vladimir" is a promising development of the late 1980s. In the 2000s, this car became the most popular on the world market. In addition to excellent driving characteristics and firepower, the model differed from its predecessor (T-72B) in the presence of an automated fire control system.

According to information International Institute Strategic Studies (IISS), Russian troops have 350 T-90 and T-90A on the move. Since 2011, UVZ has not produced this vehicle, and in 2015, development work on Proryv-3 began.

• T-90 tanks
• RIA News

The T-90M will feature a new combat turret module with an improved fire control system and a more modern loading system. At the same time, the guns will remain the same: 125 mm 2A46M-4 smoothbore gun, 7.62 mm PKTM coaxial machine gun and 12.7 mm NSV “Utyos”.

The awareness of the T-90M crew will increase significantly. The tank is equipped with a video surveillance system for the surrounding area and a multi-channel panoramic thermal imaging sight, which allows combat in any direction at any time of the day.

A modern software and hardware communications complex will allow the T-90M to operate in the theater of military operations (TVD) within the framework of a single information space. The vehicle is actually integrated into the tactical level automated control system.

The T-90M will be equipped with a V-92S2 engine with a power of 1000 hp. The power plant will be equipped with a programmable heater, which will reduce startup time in the cold season. The supply of electrical appliances when the engine is turned off will be carried out using a diesel generator set.

UVZ designers also worked to improve the protective properties of the tank. Wedge-shaped elements of dynamic protection “Relic” developed by the Moscow Research Institute of Steel (2006) will be responsible for the frontal part. The complex is capable of protecting the vehicle from most modern projectiles, and the modular layout makes it easier to repair and replace damaged structures.

“When creating a set of additional protective equipment, the features of previous projects were taken into account. The result of this was a certain reduction in weakened areas of additional protection, which had a positive effect on the overall parameters of the survivability of the equipment. In combination with active protection all this should provide a significant increase in real efficiency,” UVZ noted.

"Jet" tank

Currently, another modernized version of the late Soviet tank is in the final stages of testing. We are talking about the T-80BVM, which in its own way tactical and technical characteristics will be comparable to the combat capabilities of the T-72B3.

The contract for the modernization of the T-80BV was concluded between the Russian Ministry of Defense and the Nizhny Tagil enterprise on August 24, 2017 at the international exhibition “Army”. As Uralvagonzavod clarified, the agreement is “long-term in nature,” and the volume of the first batch could be two tank battalions (60-80 vehicles).

• A modernized T-80BVM tank at a demonstration of armored vehicles in honor of Tankman's Day on the territory of the 33rd combined arms training ground. Luga (Leningrad region), 09.09.2017
• Decoder / otvaga2004.mybb.ru

Official sources do not report the number of T-80BVs in the Russian troops. According to IISS calculations, at the beginning of 2017, the Russian army had 450 T-80s in the BV and U versions. At the same time, 3 thousand T-80B, T-80BV and T-80U were in storage.

The media reported about the decision of the military department to modernize part of the T-80 fleet at the end of 2016. The work was entrusted to two enterprises that are part of the UVZ structure - Omsktransmash JSC and SKB Transport Engineering JSC (St. Petersburg).

The basic model T-80 (1976) was a revolutionary development of the Kirov SKB-2. It was the world's first production tank with a single gas turbine power plant. The main advantages of the car were its outstanding driving performance. The T-80 was much faster and more maneuverable than its competitors.

In the scenario of a ground war with NATO, it was supposed to use the T-80 as one of the main means of breaking through enemy defenses. In response to the alliance's aggression, a group of vehicles with gas turbine engines was supposed to deliver a lightning-fast asymmetric strike. Therefore, the brainchild of SKB-2 was jokingly nicknamed the “English Channel tank.”

The speed of the T-80 reaches 80 km/h (versus 65 km/h of the diesel T-72). The noise of the T-80 engine is deafening and resembles the sound of a fighter taking off. For this reason, the tank received another nickname - “jet”.

The T-80BVM, like the T-90M, will be equipped with the Relikt defense system. Firepower the tank will not change. As before, it will have a 125 mm cannon and two machine guns of 7.62 mm and 12.7 mm caliber. Changes will affect the fire control system. It is known that the T-80BVM will receive an all-weather Sosna-U thermal imaging sight, capable of detecting enemy tanks at a distance of up to 5 km, and automated digital equipment.

The power of the gas turbine engine (GTE) of the modernized tank will be 1250 hp. The updated power plant will be less “gluttonous” than in previous models. The fuel consumption of the late Soviet T-80 was up to 8 liters per 1 km, while for the T-72 and T-90 this figure does not exceed 4 liters.

To reduce fuel consumption, the St. Petersburg SKB developed a system for synchronously switching on the generator and starter for starting the T-80BVM engine. It is expected that the modernized tank will spend 4-5 liters of fuel per kilometer of travel, retaining all its previous advantages, including “omnivorousness”.

• T-80BVM
• Press service of the Ministry of Defense of the Russian Federation

An important advantage of a gas turbine engine over a diesel engine is the speed of starting in cold conditions (3 minutes at -40 °C versus 30 minutes for a diesel engine). The T-80 power plant is replaced within 3-4 hours (for a diesel analogue - 6-12 hours). However, repairing a gas turbine engine requires dismantling and sending it to a workshop, which turns into a disadvantage in field conditions.

Realizing your potential

The Russian Ministry of Defense explains the need for modernization by the shortcomings of serial tank equipment that were identified during the Syrian operation. In particular, this was stated on September 7, 2017 by the head of the Main Armored Directorate of the Ministry of Defense of the Russian Federation, Alexander Shevchenko.

IN Western media the point of view has become established that the modernization of the tank fleet (like other military equipment RF) fits into Moscow’s course towards confrontation with NATO. As part of this policy, Russia is allegedly strengthening strike forces near western borders, replenishing them with the latest and modernized weapons.

Chief Editor magazine "Arsenal of the Fatherland" Viktor Murakhovsky takes a different point of view. According to him, the T-80BVM is intended largely to strengthen the Arctic grouping of troops. And the 1st Guards Tank Army, which is causing concern among NATO, will be rearmed with the T-90M and T-14 Armata.

“Gas turbine engines, due to their characteristics, are almost ideally suited for operation in the Arctic. I don’t think that T-80BVMs will be delivered en masse to units of the Western Military District. According to my information, the Kantemirovskaya division (part of the 1st Army), which is currently armed with the T-80BV, will receive only new generation equipment - T-90M and T-14,” said RT Murakhovsky.

The expert doubts that the decision of the Russian Ministry of Defense to modernize the tank fleet was caused by the aggravation of the geopolitical situation and is a response to the expansion of the alliance’s military infrastructure. According to Murakhovsky, the renewal of the T-80 and T-90 fleet is dictated by completely pragmatic considerations.

“More than two decades have passed, and the vehicles should receive more modern equipment and protection systems. The goal of modernizing the T-80BVM is to bring combat capabilities vehicles to those possessed by the T-72B3. In turn, the update of the T-90M is aimed at realizing the potential inherent in this tank before the large-scale arrival of the T-14,” noted Murakhovsky.

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 a plan for an unprecedented program to destroy surplus armored vehicles Soviet made. 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 armored fighting vehicles that remain from the Soviet legacy are stored in military arsenals. 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. Thus, the total number of tanks, most of which were 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 the 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 a new life. The vehicle was equipped with a modern guidance system, automatic target tracking and a 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 indicate anywhere that armor protection will be improved. Especially in modern conditions they have no chance against high-precision anti-tank systems, such as 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 platform for the experiment was the 4th armor tank division Syrian army. 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 so, 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 repels 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 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. North Korea has 5,500 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 Chinese tank Type 59, in addition, the country is armed with the Type 85 tank.

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 stock. 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. It was the world's first production 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: the American M1A2 SEP V3 Abrams tank 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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This topic has surfaced on social networks at the instigation of liberal “strategists” and is being actively discussed with the posting of “kind and affectionate” comments addressed to those who really care about maintaining the combat capability of the Russian army at the required level, even if there is a catastrophic lack of funds for this.

As an answer to this question, let me retell the article by Mikhail Barabanov, who is an employee of such an organization as the “Center for Analysis of Strategies and Technologies,” which is dated March 12, 2017.

We dance “from the stove”

or

“what we had yesterday and what we have today”

In 2005, the Russian Armed Forces had 23,000 tanks of various models in service. In 2016, 2,700 units remained. Citing these two figures, “experts” loudly declare that the huge Russian army, powerful and modern, is a fiction and a “Kremlin myth.” At the same time, they refer to the fact that even the Turkish or Syrian armies currently have more tanks.

T-72M1M with KAZ "Arena"

Where did the missing tanks go? And, most importantly, what are we going to fight with if the Russian army has only 2,700 tanks in service:

• T-90A;
• T-72B.

And the remaining 10,200 tanks are T-55, T-62, T-72 and T-64, which are in storage.

Where did the numbers 2700 + 10200 come from?

The modern Russian army is focused, first of all, on participating in limited armed conflicts. First of all, on the territory former USSR. For this, the remaining 10,200 tanks are enough to complete the assigned tasks.

There is currently no real threat of an unexpected large-scale land invasion of the territory of our state. Any potential adversaries who are hypothetically capable of such an invasion (the USA and NATO, China) will require a fairly long period of mobilization, subsequent deployment and concentration of significant groups of ground forces on the borders of Russia. Our country will get similar time for this.

In such a situation, “measuring by quantity” is meaningless. Existing systems modern communications, control and intelligence, the presence of high-precision weapons (ground and airborne) are, today, the main guarantee of achieving victory in the war, incl. and land.

In such a situation, only the most modern tanks are needed, equipped with thermal imagers and the latest protective equipment. Otherwise. A potential enemy will simply shoot “blind” tanks in a night battle. This is exactly what the Americans did with the tanks of the Iraqi army in 1991 during the Gulf War.

It is quite natural that Russia is not able to have a significant number of modern tanks due to the current economic situation.

T-90A "Vladimir"

Conclusion. It is better to have 2000 - 3000 tanks, but the most modern ones, or those that have undergone radical modernization.

Human resource

1. Western Military District:
   1. 4th separate guards tank division Kantemirovskaya (military unit 19612);
   2. 1 Ural-Lvov Tank Brigade (military unit 63453);
   3. 6 Czestochowa Tank Brigade (military unit 54096);
   4. 1st Guards Tank Regiment of the 2nd Guards MSD (military unit 58190).
2. Southern Military District:
   1. Tank regiment of the 150th MSD.
3. Eastern Military District:
   1. 5th Guards Tatsinskaya Tank Brigade (military unit 46108). Deployed on the basis of the 2nd Guards Tank Division.
4. Central Military District:
   1. 90th Guards Vitebsk-Novgorod, twice Red Banner Tank Division - Chebarkul, Chelyabinsk region. Deployed on 12/01/16 on the basis of the 7th Separate Guards Tank Brigade.

Individual parts:

• 240th training tank regiment (military unit 30632-6);
• 212 district The educational center tank troops of the Siberian Military District (military unit 21250);
• 44th Training Guards Tank Regiment (military unit 30618-8);
• 522nd Guards Training Tank Riga Regiment (military unit 30616-7).

Elementary calculations indicate that the number of tanks and the tankers who control them is the same. That is, the number of tanks currently in service is precisely the number that we are able to control at a time.

Our neighbours

According to RIA Novosti, NATO has 10,000 tanks in Europe. Most likely, this number includes both vehicles in service and those in reserve.

According to information posted in open sources (including Wikipedia), as of 2016, the countries that were potential opponents had:

1. First strike countries:
   1. Poland:
      1. Leopard2A5 - 105;
      2. Leopard2A4 - 142;

• T-72M - 505;

1. RT-91 “Twardy - 233.

1. Romania:
   1. T-55 - 250;
   2. TR-580 - 42;

• TR-85 - 91;

1. TR-85M1 "Bizonul" - 54.

1. Czech Republic:
   1. T-72 and its modifications - 154.
2. Slovakia:
   1. T-72M - 245.
3. Hungary:
   1. T-72 - 155.
4. Germany:
   1. 1100 tanks of various modifications. It is planned that after the 2017 reform there will be 600 left.

Leopard2A6M

1. Second strike countries:
   1. Britannia:
      1. Challenger - 70;
      2. "Chieftain" of various modifications - over 900;

• Light tanks "Scorpion" - up to 300.

1. France (total 776):
   1. "Leclerc" - 300 in service + 80 in reserve;
   2. Tanks of other models - 396 reserve

Leclerc

1. Denmark - 69
2. Italy (1730):
   1. C1-"Ariete" - 200;
   2. "Leopard1A5" - 120;

• M60A1 - 300 reserve;

1. M47 - 510

1. Bulgaria (524):
   1. T-72 - 362;
   2. T-55 - 165
2. Spain (510):
   1. Leopard2A4 - 108;
   2. Other models - 402
3. Portugal (224):
   1. Leopard 2A6 - 37;
   2. M60 - 101;

• Other models - 86

1. Third strike countries:
   1. Türkiye (4504):
      1. M60 - 932;
      2. Leopard1 - 397;

• Leopard 2A4 - 325;

1. M48A5 - 2850

1. USA (9125) of which M1 Abrams make up about 60%.

BHVT and CBRT

One of the most important questions, when fully considering a possible confrontation, becomes the following: “How quickly will Russia be able to reactivate the equipment stored at the BKhVT?” The outcome of the armed confrontation will largely depend on this.

What is the condition of the equipment in storage?

During long-term storage:

• V electrical circuits oxidation of connectors occurs;
• the insulation resistance of the existing electrical wiring decreases;
• all filled technical fluids (antifreeze, oils, hydraulic fluids, lubricants) become unsuitable for use;
• fuel tanks begin to rust from the inside;
• Rust appears on the mirror surfaces of hydraulic cylinders.

Despite the fact that high-quality conservation allows you to save equipment from all of the above, a certain percentage of equipment fails. It is precisely in order to reduce the number of such cases to zero that exercises are regularly held in Russia, in which equipment from the reserve is attracted to participate. Before exercises, it undergoes the necessary maintenance and testing.

During inspections carried out in 2016, the condition of tanks, infantry fighting vehicles and other armored vehicles was considered satisfactory.

The time required for an army to bring it into combat readiness is calculated by summing up the time:

• necessary for mobilization (staffing) of units and units;
• replenishment of ammunition and provisions;
• bringing materiel to the condition required to carry out any combat orders;
• the time given to a specific unit to complete its formation and recruitment.

The mentioned period is significantly influenced by the initial state of the unit in peacetime, as well as the distance from the place of its deployment to the places where reserves are received.

What about tanks?

Modern warfare is a remote war. And today, few people bet on tanks, since modern anti-tank weapons (starting with RPGs) are capable, with a high degree of probability, of destroying almost any tank.

But this is not the type of weapon that can stop the war.

Modern tanks vulnerable from the air, they can be suppressed by artillery fire, destroyed by opposing it special units, whose task is to destroy the armored vehicles of a potential enemy (ATGM, etc.).

Based on this, the high command of the Russian Armed Forces and the leadership of our country acted quite pragmatically, reasoning: fighting head-on is futile today. Therefore, the Russian Armed Forces do not require an excessive number of tanks. What we have today is quite enough.

T-14

But a tank is still armor - fire and maneuver. And we are not going to completely abandon it, which is confirmed by the appearance of the T-14 and the entire line of armored vehicles on the Armata platform.