Russia Deploys Pacific Fleet's Elite Tanks to Ukraine, Suffers Heavy Losses

Russian units from distant regions are participating in the conflict in Ukraine, as indicated by a recent announcement from the Russian Ministry of Defense. The announcement detailed the involvement of Pacific Ocean Fleet's Marine Infantry tank units in combat operations.

The Russian Ministry of Defense statement reports on the engagement of Far Eastern Marine Infantry tank units in the vicinity of Novomykhailivka. After intense fighting lasting over two months, the village was eventually overtaken, but as various sources reported, at a substantial cost to the Russian forces.

Russian official reports specify that the Pacific Fleet tankers are employing the T-80BMW tanks, the most recent iteration of the T-80 series introduced in 2017.

Designed for operations in Arctic conditions, the T-80BWM features a turbine engine that is more efficient in cold environments than traditional diesel engines.

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Despite being issued as new, these tanks are modifications of existing T-80 tanks (specifically the T-80U), akin to refurbishing stored armored hulls to produce "new" Abrams tanks in the United States. With losses mounting, plans are underway to restart production of new vehicles.

The improvements over the baseline model include enhanced firepower through the 2A4M6-4 cannon, which has an increased barrel stiffness and a pressure capacity of 650 MPa, coupled with a new stabilization system and the modern Sosna-U sight.

According to Russian sources, the tank's defense capabilities have also significantly improved. It features Relikt modular armor and additional screening, boosting resistance by 40 percent. The T-80BWM is also equipped with an improved engine, the GTD-1250. These tanks are valued not only by Russians but also by Ukrainians, who have utilized captured units.

Despite the official communication from the Russian Ministry of Defense overlooking this aspect, the Far Eastern units – the 40th and 155th Marine Infantry Brigades – have endured severe casualties in the conflict.

The extent of their losses can be attributed to the magnitude of the combat and, particularly in the war's initial months, the inadequate training of Russian troops. The 155th Brigade, for instance, suffered devastating losses, including during the battles for Vuhledar, and earlier actions in Bucha and Irpin have marred its record.