Russia revamps old T‑62M tanks for Ukraine, draws scrutiny with new symbol
According to the Defense Express website, Russian forces have deployed upgraded T-62M tanks in Ukraine. These vehicles were notably seen in the Kharkiv region and were immediately distinguishable from other tanks at the front by a distinct feature. The Russians have adopted a new identification symbol.
6:34 AM EDT, May 13, 2024
Recent social media posts from Russia have revealed updates on the movements of the Russian Federation Army. To bolster units engaged in combat in the northern sector of the Kharkiv region, close to Belgorod in Russia, the army has reintroduced the venerable T-62M tanks, among other equipment. Click here for more details.
Ural trucks and various military apparatus are featured alongside the photos of the T-62M tanks. However, one recurring detail on these support vehicles catches the eye: the symbol of a crossed-out diamond, replacing the previously used "Z" marking on Russian machinery.
T-62M tanks on the Ukrainian front
The T-62M tanks are not newcomers; their development stretches back to the 1960s. The introductory T-62 model has undergone numerous upgrades over the decades, culminating in the 1980s version known as the T-62M.
For the T-62M variant, enhancements aimed at increasing crew survivability and adapting the vehicle to the evolving demands of warfare were prioritized. This included the addition of extra composite armor to the front of the hull and turret. With the Ukraine conflict underway, the Russians have equipped the T-62M with anti-drone cages and Kontakt-1 reactive armor blocks, as recent imagery from the Kharkiv front confirms. Per Defense Express, these adaptations are part of Russia's preparations for a possible offensive.
Aside from armor updates, the T-62M received new tracks from the T-72 model to boost its mobility and a more potent engine, capable of over 600 HP. Despite these improvements, the anticipated performance gains were not realized. The additional armor significantly increased the tank's weight, negating potential advantages. Consequently, the T-62M remains mainly vulnerable to modern anti-tank weaponry, earning the grim nickname "armored coffin" due to its inadequacies in defense. The tank’s 115 mm gun struggles against outdated models like the T-64 or T-72. A critical shortfall is the absence of modern optoelectronics, rendering the T-62M virtually "blind" at night and incapable of effective operations in darkness.
