TechSingle WWII tank at Moscow parade sparks debate over Russian military might

Single WWII tank at Moscow parade sparks debate over Russian military might

T-34-85 at the Victory Parade

Images source: © X, @Osinttechnical

5:58 AM EDT, May 10, 2024

Although this year's Victory Parade on Red Square in Moscow was initially planned on a grander scale than the previous year, the noticeable absence of armored units did not escape the attention of observers. Remarkably, the sole tank presented was the venerable T-34-85, a decision that has evoked interest in its history and capabilities.

The T-34 tanks, produced between 1940 and 1957, were produced not only by the USSR but also by Poland and Czechoslovakia. By today's standards, they are considered archaic, lacking any real value in modern combat. Yet, some observers and experts interpreted their presence on the battlefield in Ukraine as a desperate move by the Russian authorities.

Initially conceived as a response to the Western Panther and Tiger tanks, the T-34-85 variant started production in 1944. Weighing around 35 short tons and equipped with a 500 hp engine, it could reach speeds up to about 34 mph. Despite its welded armor and the outdated 1944 ZiS-S-53 85 mm gun, comparing it to contemporary tanks is challenging, especially given its lack of modern optical and electronic systems.

In Moscow, the T-34 stood out as the sole Russian tank at the Victory Day parade on Red Square. Max Seddon, who leads the "Financial Times" Moscow bureau, suggested, “The visible T-34, a legendary Soviet tank from World War II, was the only Russian tank displayed today at the Victory Day parade on Red Square. Others must be busy somewhere" — a comment reflecting curiosity about its singular appearance. The Russian narrative, however, frames the T-34 as a "symbol of victory over Nazism."

Efforts were evident to prevent a repetition of the previous year’s “parade of shame,” criticized widely on social media. In preparation, the Kremlin showcased Western military trophies captured in Ukraine, including cutting-edge tanks like the Abrams and Leopard 2A6, at a dedicated exhibition.

Despite showcasing more Russian weapons than the previous year, the independent Russian channel Mozhem Ob"yasnit highlighted that the 61 pieces of military equipment presented this year were still significantly fewer than those shown in 2021.

The parade featured advanced systems like the S-400 anti-aircraft and Iskander-M missile systems capable of carrying nuclear payloads. Yet, the absence of heavy armored vehicles was palpable, except for the T-34 tank from World War II.

Many experts see this year’s modest parade turnout as an indicator of Russia's significant challenges due to the ongoing war in Ukraine. The heavy losses of tanks, including the highly praised T-90 Proryvs, underscore these difficulties. Moreover, the conspicuous absence of the touted T-14 Armata tanks from the Ukrainian conflict raises questions about their effectiveness.

Jan Matwiejew, an analyst connected with the late Russian opposition leader Alexei Navalny, remarked on the Russian authorities' precarious position. If they dispatch Armata tanks to the parade, they might find themselves caught in an awkward spotlight.

Moscow authorities seldom disclose the full extent of the army's casualties or equipment losses in Ukraine. According to estimates from the International Institute for Strategic Studies (IISS) in February, losses have already surpassed 3,000 tanks, 5,600 armored vehicles, and infantry fighting vehicles.