Russia's T‑80 Tanks Revived Amidst Defense Challenges
In a recent Russian television broadcast, Sergei Shoigu was featured visiting the Omsktransmash tank factory in Omsk, renowned for producing the T-80BVM tanks. This segment highlighted the factory's production and shed light on the broader state of Russia's defense industry.
Another coverage detailed Shoigu's exploration of Russia's defense sector factories. Notably, in March 2024, he toured a facility that manufactures aerial bombs for the FAB family and has more recently inspected the Omsktransmash site, where T-80BVM tanks are assembled.
The broadcast presented a lineup of gleaming new T-80BVM tanks. However, it urged viewers to notice the partially dismantled, rust-covered tank hulls off to the side. Experts have pointed out that these belong to models even older than the T-80BW and the T-80B models, which previously laid the groundwork for production.
T-80 Family Tanks - the Best Designs of the USSR
Since 2017, Russia has been producing the T-80BVM tanks, essentially deeply modified versions of older models. The T-80BW tanks, dating back to 1985, served as the foundation for Russian tank production until their numbers dwindled following extensive deployment in 2022. The stock now includes the older T-80B models, first produced in 1978.
These tanks introduced a revolutionary gas turbine drive, offering instant maximum torque, a notable advantage over diesel engines requiring time to rev. This feature earned the T-80 the nickname "flying tank" within the Russian army.
Arms industry in Russia lacks supplies
Yet, today's tanks are often in poor condition, necessitating extensive refurbishment to meet modern standards. This situation highlights a significant issue: Russia has not resumed full-scale tank production from scratch. Relying on existing hull stockpiles, the armored vehicle industry in Russia is at risk of collapse after these supplies are exhausted.
The T-80BVM tanks undergo a comprehensive rebuilding process. This includes replacing or upgrading critical components, such as introducing an electric turret rotation system and enhancing the fire control system with a thermal imaging sight. Improvements include adapting the autoload mechanism for longer APFSDS projectiles and integrating heavy dual-layer Relikt reactive armor to protect against advanced projectile types.
Furthermore, since 2023, the factory has incorporated enhancements like "caps" to defend against bomblet or grenade attacks from drones, including the notable "Baba Yaga" and jammers to counteract FPV-type drones. Nevertheless, these defensive measures are not foolproof, as adversaries may adapt drone control signals to bypass them.
