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Tank forces

Tank forces- type of troops and main striking force ground forces. They are mainly used in conjunction with motorized rifle troops in the main directions and perform the following main tasks:

. on the defensive - for direct support of motorized rifle troops in repelling an enemy offensive and inflicting counterattacks and counterattacks;

. on the offensive - inflicting powerful cutting blows to a great depth, developing success, defeating the enemy in oncoming battles and battles.

Tank brigades and tank battalions of motorized rifle brigades, which are highly resistant to nuclear weapons, firepower, high mobility and maneuverability, form the basis of tank troops. They are capable of making fullest use of the results of fire (nuclear) engagement of the enemy and achieving the ultimate goals of combat and operations in a short time.

The combat capabilities of tank formations and subunits allow them to conduct active fighting day and night, in a significant separation from other troops, to smash the enemy in head-on battles and battles, to overcome vast zones of radioactive contamination on the move, to force water barriers, as well as quickly create a solid defense and successfully resist the offensive of superior enemy forces.

Further development and enhancement of the combat capabilities of tank troops is carried out mainly by equipping them with more advanced types of tanks, which optimally combine such important combat properties as high firepower, maneuverability and reliable protection. In improving organizational forms, the main efforts are concentrated on giving them a combined-arms character, which to the greatest extent corresponds to the content of modern operations (combat actions).

The powerful roar of engines, the ringing clang of caterpillar tracks, the bright reflections of the rays of the sun on the "polished" steel ... So on September 8, 1946, Russian tankers for the first time proudly celebrated their professional holiday on the Red Square of the Russian capital. The focus of the public is the Soviet tanks of the 4th Guards Kantemirovskaya Division, which was created in the summer of 1942 in Stalingrad. This day went down in history as the first official holiday of all the fighters of the tank troops, who fought desperately and staunchly against the German invaders. The decree on the appointment of the Day of the tanker in the USSR was considered at the congress people's deputies and finally approved on July 11, 1946 at a meeting of the Presidium Soviet Union.

From its founding to the present day tank forces, along with artillery, remain the key strike "unit" Russian army. Due to increased mobility, good maneuverability in open areas and sufficiently powerful weapons, armored tanks are able to quickly solve the most important combat missions during the counteroffensive of the main units. ground forces or defensive operations. At the same time, the mechanized troops themselves are represented not only by tanks. This type of troops also combines other types of armored vehicles: self-propelled artillery mounts(self-propelled guns), special combat vehicles of motorized rifles (BMP) and amphibious armored personnel carriers. In a word, tank troops are an all-destroying and formidable weapon that, in skillful hands, can change the course of any battle.

The scope of armored vehicles in full-scale combat operations is quite multifaceted, and one of the primary tasks of tank troops is to break through enemy fortifications along the flank or directly "on the forehead" - the choice of tactics depends on the specific situation and the situation on the battlefield. Tanks may well operate independently, but as practice has shown, the maximum effect of their "efficiency" is achieved mainly in close cooperation with other units of the armed forces. This is the only way tanks are able to quickly and “painlessly” overcome enemy fortifications, pushing through a given direction at full speed and inflicting colossal damage to enemy manpower and equipment.

Compared to other units of the troops (artillery, infantry, navy, etc.), tank troops are a relatively “fresh” type of Russian armed forces - armored vehicles appeared only at the beginning of the First World War, almost immediately after the invention of the internal combustion engine and mastered the production of armor elements and tank weapons. The multi-purpose course towards the intensive development of the machine-building industry, adopted back in the days of the Russian Empire, did not have the best effect on the state of the country's economy, but made it possible to build up a huge military potential in a short time. Thanks to the selfless work of Soviet engineers, designers and scientists, as well as the bravery and courage of the tankers, the Russian army was able to withstand the battle with the most formidable enemy - the forces of the Third Reich.

The prospects for the full-scale development of the tank-building industry for military needs were seriously considered in the midst of the First World War. To organize an offensive, it was necessary to overcome the well-fortified positions of the enemy, and it was not possible to do this with infantry forces, since in this case the losses among the rank and file would be colossal. Only mobile armored vehicles equipped with guns can cope with the task, since transporting heavy artillery from place to place is a rather troublesome task, requiring huge time costs. And although it was not possible to fully realize this brilliant idea during the First World War, already in the post-war years in some Western European countries, the “bright minds” of mankind began to actively put forward the first theories of future mobile wars, which implied the use of special mechanized combat units consisting of armored vehicles.

Such outstanding personalities as Richard Buckminster Fuller, Sir Basil Henry Liddell Hart, Heinz Wilhelm Guderian and others were the first to declare that all subsequent wars on the planet would move to a new level - they would become faster, furious and more maneuverable. They took their guesses not from an "empty" head, but from the experience of past military conflicts, having analyzed in detail the failures and defeats of all sides of the armed confrontation. The leadership of the USSR was ambivalent about this theory - there were both supporters and opponents. However, development military equipment was then given paramount importance, with the main emphasis on the production of armored vehicles.

In the ranks of the Red Army, they began to urgently create new charters, in which progressive views were enshrined military science Soviet "model". The high command of the armed forces of the USSR considered future military conflicts not only from the point of view of a maneuverable nature (although this was the main factor) - the Soviet commanders also did not rule out the possibility of positional forms of hostilities. After long disputes, it was decided to build tanks, because without this new type of weapon it was impossible to resist the numerous modernized and re-equipped armies of European countries.

Chronology of the development of tank forces

At specific stages of development, Soviet tank units were called differently. In total, six names were officially approved. The chronology of the "names" dates back to the time of the Imperial period.

1. Armor forces

The first mobile units of the Russian army, equipped with lightly armored vehicles with guns, appeared as part of the regular troops in 1914. It was then that an auto-machine gun company was formed, which included 12 armored vehicles. In the same year, the units began to be called the armored forces of the army. This wording did not change until 1929. As of 1917, more than ten mobile divisions were formed, armed with about 300 armored vehicles. Paradoxically, the Red Army did not have its own tank fleets during the First World War, but special armored trains of domestic production were adopted by the Armed Forces.

1. mechanized troops

Starting in 1929, the divisions of Soviet armored forces were renamed into special mechanized troops, which were already equipped with the first tanks. The Supreme Command of the Red Army formed the Main Directorate for the mechanization and motorization of military formations. In 1930, the mechtroops included a separate tank regiment, which at that time consisted of more than a hundred pieces of equipment. Two years later, on the basis of the Leningrad Military District, there were already separate mechanized corps, in which total armored vehicles exceeded 500 units. In the USSR, the name "Mechanized troops" was used until the beginning of 1936.

1. Armored troops

The subsequent intensive development of mechanized troops and tank units served as an impetus for the modernization of the internal structure of army units and the formation of a new type of ground forces - armored vehicles. These processes began in 1936. In the same year, a directorate for the motorization of active combat units was formed, which was later also renamed armored. In this composition, the tank units of the USSR stood guard over the Motherland until 1942. In addition to the four main tank units, about thirty tank brigades were additionally formed.

1. Armored and mechanized troops

In the midst of World War II, the High Command of the Soviet Army decided to rename the tank units again. In 1942 they official name became the double wording "Armored and mechanized troops" (BMW). This abbreviation was retained even after the end of hostilities - until 1953.

1. armored forces

With the advent of heavy tanks on the military arena and after a change in the tactics of warfare in connection with this, tank units began to be called more simply - armored forces. The official decree was issued in 1953. Already at that time, more than 50 thousand pieces of equipment were “called for service”, while the basis of armored units was highly maneuverable tanks of the T-54/55 class. Armored troops existed as active combat formations of the USSR Armed Forces until 1960.

1. Tank forces

The decision to finally rename the armored forces into tank forces was made only in 1960, when the Cold War between the Soviet Union and the United States was actively unfolding. They became the shock and firepower of the Russian army - new tanks of the T-72 and T-80 class were adopted. The last name turned out to be the most successful and remains a priority even today - in the armed forces of the Russian Federation.

It should be noted that not only the name of the armored units changed, but also their key role in conducting combat operations. Depending on the theater of operations, infantry tanks and armored vehicles could be used both as an auxiliary and as an assault force.

"Birth" of armored vehicles in Russia

Almost from the very beginning of World War I, special armored forces of infantry troops were formed in the ranks of the Imperial Russian Army, which were equipped with light armored vehicles with cannons and machine guns. The British and Germans were skeptical about the idea of ​​rearmament, for this reason they did not consider the option of using a new type of equipment in the first stages of hostilities. Whereas in the Russian Empire already in 1905, scientists, together with engineers, conducted the first experimental experiments on the creation of armored vehicles on wheels. Then, samples of the Nakashidze-Charron armored vehicles, created according to the drawings of the ex-major of the French artillery troops, Paul Alexis Guyet, were put into service.

After in August 1914 the High Command of the Imperial Army decided to form a separate mechanized machine-gun company in the ranks of the army, at the Izhora Machine-Building Plant, located 26 km from northern capital- St. Petersburg, began to create the first armored combat vehicles. The design of the Russo-Balt car, which began to be produced in 1905 in Riga, was taken as a basis. The armored vehicles were equipped with automatic weapons - the Maxim class machine-gun systems, invented in 1883, were mainly used. Since the requests were very large, and the industrial capacity was sorely lacking, over time, light armored cars began to be imported from abroad.

In the early autumn of 1914, the command of the Imperial Russian Army signed a long-term contract for the supply of a whole series of armored vehicles with the British firm Austin Motor Company. For three years, about 200 units of imported armored vehicles of the Austin brand were sent to Russia. In the summer of 1916, GVTU engineers began to develop "Russian Austins". The Putilov plant became the main center of production. English "Austin" as a whole were not bad, but required a little refinement, taking into account the peculiarities of the Russian terrain. In order not to start everything from scratch, the army command entered into an additional contract with Austin Motor Company for the supply of branded automobile chassis in the amount of 60 pieces.

GVTU engineers thoroughly finalized the project of the "Russian Austin": they added 8 mm of armor, strengthened the frame and redesigned rear axle, and the machine gun turrets were placed diagonally. Also, the places of machine gunners were additionally reinforced with armor plates. A little later, they developed a modification with a more “universal” machine gun, which was capable of aimed shooting not only for ground, but also for air targets. The updated model of the armored vehicle was equipped with a combined wheel-tracked mover of the Kegress system. Mass production of Russian armored cars was organized at the Putilov factory in the early spring of 1918.

Each automobile armored detachment usually consisted of 4 armored vehicles: 3 machine guns and 1 cannon, and was additionally equipped with motorcycles with sidecars, transport trucks and mobile ambulances. The rank and file of one armored detachment was up to 100 people. As a rule, they did not act independently - they strengthened the existing infantry divisions and cavalry regiments. At the final stage civil war(during the defense of the city of Tsaritsyn) three armored detachments united into a separate column. The combat experience gained served as an impetus for the separation of the armored forces of the Red Army into an independent branch of the armed forces.

In the spring of 1919, during the battles near Odessa, the Red Army recaptured several French Renault ft-17 tanks from the Whites. They decided to give one armored car to the leader of the proletariat - Vladimir Ilyich Lenin. The trophy present "in all its glory" was shown to the country's leadership at the solemn May Day parade, which traditionally took place on the Kremlin's Red Square. Control French tank"Reno" was entrusted to the "grandfather of Russian aviation" Boris Iliodorovich Rossinsky. Even then, V. I. Lenin said that Russia must master the “higher” technique without fail, otherwise the opponents will trample “to smithereens”. A few days later, Vladimir Lenin ordered to organize and launch own production Russian tanks.

In the fall, Renault ft-17 was delivered to the Krasnoye Sormovo plant, which is still working productively in Nizhny Novgorod. Work on the project of the first Russian tanks was entrusted to engineer Nikolaev. They planned to deliver armor plates for future vehicles from the Izhora plant, guns from Putilov. Engines for tanks were produced at the Likhachev plant (AMO ZIL). V. I. Lenin requested detailed reports on the results of the work almost every day. Due to the lack of experience and technological equipment, the process of experimental tank building progressed painfully for a long time. And yet, slowly but surely, Russia was approaching its goal.

The Russian "Renault" went "to the people" on the morning of August 31, 1920 - it is he who is considered the first tank made in the USSR. After practical tests "for strength" in the period 1920-21. it was put into mass production. According to the generally accepted classification, he belonged to light maneuverable armored vehicles, the main task which - cover the main forces and fire support for counter-offensive operations of the ground units of the Soviet army. Structurally, it practically did not differ from its French "brother" Renault FT-17, except that it was made in Russian. It was in service until the beginning of 1930, but did not participate in battles. The mass of the tank was 7000 kg, the engine power was 34 hp. The turret of the Russian Renault accommodated only 2 crew members. As weapons, a 37 mm caliber cannon and one machine gun, designed for 7.62 mm caliber bullets, were used.

The development of tank building in the USSR

In 1924, a full-scale military reform was carried out in the Soviet Union. In addition to changing the internal structure of combat units, the high command decided to form a special Military-Technical Directorate - VTU RKKA. A main commission for tank building was also created, whose task was to control the process of tank production and approve engineering projects. The members of this commission unanimously supported the idea of ​​mass production of light tanks instead of heavy ones. By and large, this decision was due to the economic and industrial crisis in the country - there was a catastrophic lack of resources and skilled labor. In 1927, the USSR released light tank T-18, which was later named MS-1.

Unlike the Russian Renault, the MS-1 weighed only 5,300 kg. It was equipped with a 37 mm cannon and a twin machine gun, designed for 6.5 mm caliber bullets. According to the MS-1 classification, it was an infantry escort tank - on flat terrain it could accelerate to 17 km/h. 35 hp engine allowed "painlessly" to overcome small rises, without losing initial speed. MS-1 was mass-produced at the Obukhov plant in Leningrad. Russian engineers took the design of the French Renault FT-17 as a basis. However, this tank was nothing special. In 1929, he was involved in battles on the Chinese border, and even then it became clear that the Soviet MS-1 turned out to be an unreliable tank. In addition to technical malfunctions, other characteristics of the armored vehicle turned out to be unsatisfactory - extremely poor cross-country ability on the "obstacle course". The MS-1 tank was not able to overcome trenches, the width of which was more than one meter. Despite this, it was this tank that was taken as the basis for the creation of future, more "advanced" models.

The trends in the development of the mechanized troops of the USSR included:

• gradual increase in combat potential, firepower and strike force of the army;
• the formation of fully autonomous tank units that would be able to effectively conduct combat operations in isolation from the main forces;
• creating the necessary conditions to ensure the maneuverability and mobility of individual tank groups during offensive operations;
• organization of an easily manageable structure of tank units of the ground forces.

During the period 1930-40. armored forces of the Red Army were equipped with high-class equipment, which was created by the best design bureaus of the USSR. Experienced engineers created new Russian shock tanks based on British and american models. The BT-2 tank became the most popular in those years. Later, its improved modifications were released - BT-5 and BT-7, which for a long time "registered" in the ranks of the Red Army.

Mass production of tanks of the BT series began in the period 1932-40. at the locomotive plant in the city of Kharkov. In total, about 8 thousand armored vehicles were produced. In addition to BT, other models of tanks were also produced, in particular the T-26. The 6-ton tank of the British company Vickers was taken as the basis for this modification. Initially new lightweight the tank was equipped with two machine-gun turrets, but was later replaced with one, in which a 37-mm cannon and a 7.62-mm machine gun were placed. Some time later, the 37-mm cannon was replaced with a 45-mm, model 1932. In 1938, the cylindrical turret of the T-26 tank was replaced with a more conical turret, and a vertically stabilized TOS was additionally installed. In total, about 11 thousand T-26 tanks were produced.

In 1933-34. began mass production of new tanks T-28 and T-35, which were developed according to the drawings of Soviet engineers and equipped with domestic weapons. A little later, the USSR launched the production of models of T-37, T-38 and T-40 amphibious tanks equipped with machine gun systems of 7.62 mm caliber. But as practice has shown, even these Soviet tanks required complete modernization. During military operations in Spain, it turned out that 10-mm armor does not meet modern requirements and is literally stitched through. And then the Russian designers were given the task of making universal, maneuverable and well-protected tanks capable of equally effectively performing combat missions in attack and defense.

Russian tanks of World War II

Before the start of World War II in service Soviet army there were more than 600 units of KV-1 and about 1200 units of T-34. In total, during the first years of the war, defense industry enterprises produced more than 52,000 medium and heavy tanks. In the summer of 1942, the Army High Command decided to urgently form 4 separate tank units for offensive operations. In 1943, in addition to tanks, tank destroyers, mortar and anti-aircraft missile systems were also included in the armored formations. In the same year, the fifth tank army was additionally formed.

In the first two years of the war, tank formations suffered huge losses, so the command of the Red Army decided to disband the corps and divisions - instead of them they created separate mechanized battalions and tank brigades, which in practice turned out to be more effective in close combat. In the autumn of 1943, the organizational structure of the armored and mechanized troops was officially approved. Each military brigade included three shock tank battalions, consisting of 65 T-34 medium tanks, a separate infantry (motorized rifle) battalion, and additional repair units and supply units were also provided. The number of rank and file was more than 1300 soldiers.

The history of the development of Russian tanks is not limited to legendary tanks T-34. AT different periods war, other "masterpieces of tank building" were also produced from the assembly line of Soviet factories. In 1943, the production of a new heavy tank KV-85 was launched at the Chelyabinsk Kirov Plant. In 1944 they released medium tank T-44. And at the end of the war, the IS-3 appeared, but it did not take part in combat operations. Light tanks T-60 and T-70 were also produced - their production was cheap, but they did not have proper armor and served more as a distraction. German soldiers called them "indestructible locusts." In total, in the period 1941-45. more than 95 thousand tanks and self-propelled guns of various modifications were manufactured.

During World War II, the Red Army lost more than 60,000 tanks and self-propelled guns. But the main goal was achieved - the forces of the Third Reich were defeated, and military government Germany signed the act of surrender. For the courageous struggle against the fascist invaders, more than a thousand Russian tankers were awarded the Gold Star medal and the honorary title of Hero of the Soviet Union. About 10,000 defense industry workers who personally "forged" the Great Victory in the rear of the country received state awards and diplomas.

Tank rams: "Ordered to destroy ..."

Among the heroic deeds performed by Russian tankers, a special place is occupied by masterfully carried out tank rams. Different situations arose in the war: the turret jammed, the shells ran out, or the gunner was shell-shocked ... But the enemy was advancing on all fronts, and the tankers had to invent themselves in order to prevent a breakthrough on the flank. The first tank ram in history was successfully carried out by the KV-1 crew led by the legendary commander Pavel Danilovich Gudzem. At full speed, a heavy Soviet tank crashed into the side of the tank PzKpfw III and knocked him out.

A lot of similar rams were made in 1943 during the battles near Prokhorovka. In total, the Russian tankers then took about 20-30 enemy vehicles “for boarding”. During the legendary Battle of Kursk, more than 50 units of German armored vehicles were damaged by a ram. It is worth noting that with the help of tank rams, it was possible to damage not only armored vehicles and light tanks of the enemy. Sometimes the famous "tigers" and "panthers" also acted as "victims" - at the time of the collision, their caterpillar tracks were often torn, the armor plates "cracked" at the seams and the road wheels were deformed.

There were cases when tanks collided by accident (got into a "clinch"), but most often the tankers went to ram deliberately to stop the advance German tanks columns. This was usually done at night or when there was thick fog, since poor visibility did not allow for aimed fire at medium and long distances. Russian heavy tanks burst into the ranks of the enemy column, crushing at full speed German armored vehicles powerful body blows. It must be admitted that tank rams were an indicator of the virtuoso skill of the tankers, because in order for a blow to inflict damage, it was necessary to correctly calculate the speed, trajectory and calculate the most vulnerable places of the enemy.

Russian tanks rammed not only "their own kind", but also other enemy targets - German armored trains and even aircraft at airfields. In the summer of 1944, the commander of the T-34 medium tank, Dmitry Evlampievich Komarov, for the first time rammed an armored train at the Chernye Brody railway station. The fighters of the 24th tank corps also distinguished themselves during the counteroffensive of the Russian troops after the successful defense of Stalingrad. In December 1942, they headed towards the Tatsinskaya station, where more than 200 German aircraft were preparing to take off at two airfields. Since there were few shells, it was necessary to destroy enemy aircraft by ramming.

Mikhail Katukov - the genius of the tank troops of the USSR

The name of Mikhail Efimovich Katukov, who became the most prominent marshal of the armored forces of the USSR, first became known from the reports of the Soviet Information Bureau during defensive operations for Moscow. In these battles, Katukov, with his faithful "wards" from the 4th tank brigade, managed to stop and defeat the armored "fist" of German tanks, commanded by the chief tank strategist of the Third Reich, General Heinz Wilhelm Guderian. The German commander never admitted defeat, acted coldly and prudently, which allowed him to successfully carry out any attack. But in the fight with Katukov, he was forced to admit an undeniable advantage Soviet tanks t-34 in front of German armored vehicles and abandoned the attempt to capture Tula in order to launch an attack on Moscow from the south.

In October 1941, in the midst of the battle for Moscow, General Guderian's tank group achieved significant success, covering almost 200 km of Russian territory in three days. Advanced strike force Germans immediately burst into the city of Orel, and after another 180 km reached Tula. Guderian's group was not going to slow down the pace of the offensive, but the 4th tank brigade of Colonel Katukov appeared on their way, which not only stopped the offensive, but actually disabled the German division. Katukov skillfully used the terrain, false positions, camouflage and tank ambush tactics, when the tanks hid in the ground up to the tower and waited in the wings to attack. In one battle, the forces of the 4th brigade destroyed more than ten enemy tanks.

Katukov had fewer troops than Guderian, but the maneuverable T-34s worked wonders on the battlefield. Later, the Germans nicknamed Mikhail Katukov "General cunning" and the outstanding Russian commander repeatedly confirmed the assessment of his military talent received from the enemy. In early November 1941, the Katukov brigade was renamed the 1st Guards Tank Unit of the Red Army. Katukov himself was given the rank of major general of tank troops. Since there were no general stars on the front lines in 1941, I had to draw them on the buttonholes with an indelible pencil.

In November 1941, Mikhail Katukov was awarded the highest award of the USSR, the Order of Lenin. On the same days, he received another commemorative award - an old Tula samovar, which was presented by Tula workers in memory of how Katukov's tankers defended the approaches to the city. Touched by Mikhail Efimovich then promised to go to Berlin and drink tea on the steps of the Reichstag. In the spring of 1945, Colonel-General Katukov kept his promise. He melted the Tula samovar right in the middle of the ruins of the capital of the Third Reich.

Prokhorovka: battle of steel "titans"

The legendary tank confrontation near the Russian village of Prokhorovka, which is located in the Belgorod region, has become the largest and grandest in the history of World War II. Today, in the circle of historians, there are "hot" disputes about the number of tanks, artillery systems and other armored vehicles involved in the tank battle near Prokhorovka. However, no matter what the real numbers turn out to be, it can be said with confidence that in terms of the number of tanks used, there was no such battle in all the years of the war. The German command attracted almost all technical reserves and formed a powerful enough "iron fist" to surely break through the Soviet defenses with their tank wedges.

The main participants in the battle, which took place in 1943 near Prokhorovka, were the fifth tank army of Lieutenant General Pavel Alekseevich Rotmistrov from the Soviet side and the second tank corps of the SS Oberstgruppenführer Paul Hausser. About 1,500 armored vehicles were involved in the battle of the "steel titans", and the Red Army had the advantage - 800 Soviet tanks against 700 German ones. Russian T-34s poured into the battle formations of the German troops, trying to win at the expense of maneuverability, and shot enemy tanks at close range. Close combat was unprofitable for the German side, since it negated all the advantages of powerful large-caliber guns, but the Nazis failed to correct the situation and turn the tide of events.

Until late at night, near Prokhorovka, the roar of engines and the clanging of caterpillars did not stop, shells exploded, tanks and artillery mounts burned. A black veil of smoke covered the sky. The German offensive plan, codenamed Citadel, failed. This large-scale battle completely turned the tide of the Second World War, since the tank forces of the Third Reich could not recover from the crushing defeat and restore their former power. Having lost the battle, the Nazis began to gradually surrender other positions as well - a retreat began on all fronts. The Battle of Kursk has become a symbol of the stamina of the Red Army soldiers and the high military skill of the officers.

Modern models of tanks of the Armed Forces of the Russian Federation

From the Army of the Soviet Union to the current Armed Forces Russian Federation inherited progressive tank troops with an impressive fleet of combat armored vehicles, as well as several large industrial centers of tank building, which today occupy leading positions in the country's defense industry. In 2005, the Russian Armed Forces were armed with more than 20,000 tanks of various modifications. Over time, the Soviet "property" was removed from service due to inconsistencies with modern military trends. In 2009, only 1/10 of the machines were left in service. The primary task set for itself military leadership Russia, was the modernization of tank troops.

The first tank of the new model, launched into mass production after the war, was the medium tank T-54, which was armed with a rapid-fire 100-millimeter gun. They also developed an improved version of this tank model - the T-55 tank with a powerful 115-millimeter gun, which was intended for combat operations in radioactive zones. But the T-62 medium tank, equipped with a well-armored turret and a smooth-bore 155 mm gun, became the most popular in the Soviet and Russian armies. The serial models of the T-72, T-80 and T-95 tanks were universal medium tanks capable of quickly and efficiently performing various combat missions in any terrain.

The priority direction in the development of the tank forces of the Russian Federation at the beginning of the 20th century was the rearmament of the army with modern vehicles that can overcome any obstacles, as well as perform maneuverable forced marches over medium and long distances, regardless of the time of day. Russian tanks and tank destroyers of the latest generation deserve special attention:

• Medium tank "Armata"- is a truly unique example of Russian tank building, capable of conducting maneuverable combat operations against enemy tanks and ground forces, being part of separate tank and motorized rifle units;
• Tank destroyer "Coalition-SV"- The design of this model is developed using the latest scientific achievements and digital technologies of the 21st century. It is used for the operational destruction of tactical nuclear weapons, ground artillery systems, mortar batteries and any types of armored vehicles;
• BMP "Kurganets-25"- is widely used today for the transfer of mobile ground units to any point of hostilities, and also provides them fire support during an armed conflict;
• Armored personnel carrier "Boomerang"- Russian armored vehicle of a new generation. The main purpose is to transport ground units and assist in the active suppression of enemy manpower and light armored vehicles.

To date, the modernized tank forces of Russia, as well as several decades ago, are the most "hardened" branch of the military and are a fairly formidable weapon of universal action. And although many armies of the world are heading for non-contact forms of war, tanks will remain one of the main striking forces for a long time to come.

The recent news that the troops received a batch of new T-90M tanks (about 40 units) makes us think about the goal of updating the Russian tank forces.

It is known that the latest Armata T-14 tank is being produced in the Russian Federation, which surpasses old tank T-72 in all respects. Question: why now it is the T-72 (that is, an updated modification called the T-90M) that is entering the Russian troops, and not the Armata T-14 ?

The war in Syria showed the Russian army that tanks die quickly enough, even modern T-72 models, which means that if you wage a large-scale war, you will need a lot of tanks. We must be honest with ourselves - everything is leading to an armed clash between Ukraine and Russia over the Donbass and Crimea .

Kyiv today has about 700 tanks. There is no doubt that before the war, the Western allies will give Ukraine some more combat vehicles, in total, by the beginning of the war, the Armed Forces of Ukraine may have about 1,000 tanks. reinforced anti-tank systems"Javelin" Ukrainian infantry will be able to easily withstand the T-64 tanks and old T-72 models.

The LDNR currently has about 500 tanks, mostly the outdated T-64 model. Most likely, it is these tanks that will be destroyed by the Javelins the fastest and will not have a radical impact on the course of the conflict.

How many tanks does Russia have? Wikipedia gives a figure of the order of 20,000 pieces, but this is all, that is, in storage, but how many tanks can enter the battlefield right now?

Judging by the staff list of combat units of the Russian army, there are currently about 2,000 fully combat-ready tanks in Russia. Maybe there are 1500 of them, and maybe all 3000 pieces, but that's it!

If the Russian leadership were sure that there would be no large-scale war at least until 2025, then the updated T-72s would hardly have entered the troops - the country would have focused on the production of Armat, and by 2025 Russia would not have less than 1,000 T-14 Armata units in service.

But, apparently, Moscow is by no means sure that Russia has this time, therefore it is hastily driving the updated T-72s into the troops. It is much easier and faster to make the T-90M than the T-14 "Armata", because the armored hull, gun and engine have already been released by the industry - it remains only to add modern electronic controls, defense and attack; and as you know, the T-90M, like the latest, third modification of the T-72, can successfully withstand the Javelins

Thus, the fact of delivery of the T-90M says that: firstly, Russia has few tanks that would be ready to face the Ukrainian army, which is armed with Javelins right now; and secondly, according to Moscow, the Russian Federation has little time left before this collision occurs .

Maneuverable, powerful and efficient tanks are the reliable foundation of the Armed Forces of any country. The constant arms race, secretly waged between the advanced countries of the world, obliges designers to create improved models of combat vehicles. The best tanks of our time are vehicles, each with unique features and capabilities.

Challenger 2, UK

The Challenger 2, unlike other modern combat vehicles, is equipped with a 120 mm rifled gun. Internal cutting allows you to effectively hit objects at a distance of more than 5 kilometers. Challenger 2 is the record holder for the range of tank battles.

This tank is the most protected in the world. Special armor, which is based on the secret Dorchester armor, consisting of an alloy of steel, Kevlar, and ceramics. Such a connection reduces the power of impacts from incoming projectiles. It is capable of effectively countering direct-guided weapons. However, reliable armor made it significantly heavier. challenger. In combination with a relatively small engine, this made the tank slow and clumsy.

The built-in combat information system and computer fire control help in difficult conditions.

These tanks performed well in the Iraq War (2003). In the Battle of Basra, the armored brigade participated in the advance on the city. Later, combat vehicles entered into battle with Iraqi tanks. It was the largest tank battle since the Second World War - the British were able to destroy 15 enemy vehicles without losing a single one of their tanks.

During the entire existence of the Challenger 2, its armor was hit only once - as a result of an erroneous hit on it by exactly the same tank.

T-90 ("Vladimir"), Russia

The main battle tank of Russia. At the beginning of the 21st century, it was the best-selling one, having best performance in terms of price and quality ratio.

A unique feature of the Russian combat vehicle is the Kalina fire control system, in many respects superior to analogues. It allows the first shot to hit enemy targets that are in motion even under adverse weather conditions.

A 22-round machine is capable of firing up to 9 shots per minute. At the same time, it can fire anti-tank guided missiles.

The special design allows the T-90 to overcome water obstacles up to 5 meters deep. According to the results of many tests, including such indicators as shooting accuracy, maneuverability, wear resistance, this tank occupies a leading position, leaving behind the famous tanks of other powers.

There are suggestions that in 1995 several T-90 combat units took part in Chechen war, however, this has not been documented. Russian tanks took part in the fighting in Ukraine, acting on the side of the militias, were used in the liquidation of the Ilovaisk pocket, in the assault on the security forces near Lugansk. T-90 in the composition Syrian army took part in recent military operations in Syria.

Type 10 Japan

Japan's latest fighting vehicle. Its uniqueness lies in equipping it with innovative mechanisms of electronic and computer combat systems - an automatic charging system and a panoramic view.

Automatic continuously variable transmission allows you to develop maximum speed when driving in both directions. The Type 10 has a hydropneumatic suspension that allows you to change the ground clearance and degree of inclination of the hull. This improves patency, increases the range of vertical guidance of the gun. The reduced clearance makes it possible to lower the tank on the bottom, making it less noticeable.

The crew is housed in a special compartment, covered with more durable nanocrystalline steel.

M1 Abrams, USA

One of the few tanks that have a system of protection against weapons of mass destruction. In the event of a nuclear or chemical attack the system supplies the crew with clean air and blocks the ingress of poisons and dust into the fighting compartment.

Abrams is equipped with chemical and radiation reconnaissance devices, equipped with an innovative fire control system. The vehicle is reinforced with uranium armor and has state-of-the-art guns. Over the 35-year history of the existence of this tank, no cases of complete destruction of the crew were recorded, which indicates its excellent security.

The M1 Abrams is equipped with advanced thermal sensors and navigational surveillance systems. Gas turbine engine has excellent performance, but is whimsical in maintenance and requires a lot of fuel.

One of the main advantages of this combat vehicle is the ability to remotely control weapons.

The first battle experience Abrams received in 1991 during the military operations in the Persian Gulf. Thanks to technical superiority, American tanks successfully destroyed Iraqi vehicles.

M1 Abrams also participated in the seven-year war in Iraq. In the battles, the Americans suffered significant losses - out of 1200 combat vehicles, 800 received damage of varying severity.

Merkava, Israel

A distinctive feature of this tank is the front location of the engine compartment, which provides additional protection for the crew. Another feature of the combat vehicle is the rear compartment for transporting the wounded or troops. This adds versatility to the tank and the ability to variate actions in accordance with the combat situation.

Merkava was the first to use an active protection system that effectively knocks down missiles and shells approaching the tank.

It is perfectly protected - modular armor can be quickly replaced. Particular attention was paid to camouflage - so that the tank was not noticeable on the battlefield, the designers changed the shade of the exhaust gases. The defense system is able to inform about threats and neutralize missiles.

The new projectile guidance system is especially effective against low-flying helicopters.

Leopard 2, Germany

It has an advanced fire control system that allows you to effectively hit moving targets while being in continuous motion.
Laid on armor protects against mines, land mines, missiles, cluster munitions.

The Leopard has a special setup that keeps all electronic systems functioning without turning on the main engine. The tank is equipped with one of the best modifications of guns and two machine guns, which, thanks to the laser rangefinder system, can hit targets at a distance of up to 5 kilometers.

The advantages of Leopard 2 are given by the information interaction system, improved daytime and thermal imaging sights, dynamic protection, and an attack information system. Excellent performance in combat mode.

Several more models of combat vehicles also have excellent efficiency and maneuverability.

K2 Black Panther, South Korea:

has innovative tracking systems, performs about 10 shots per minute. Protected by composite and reactive armor, has active and passive protection. Guidance systems automatically determine the object of destruction and launch projectiles.

From time to time, the question of the number of tanks in the ranks of the Ground Forces of the RF Armed Forces is discussed on the Internet or in the press, and now there are tanks in the Airborne Forces, and in the composition marines The Navy also has them (as part of the Coastal Forces of the Navy, they were, in fact, these are ordinary motorized rifle brigades, but registered with the Navy due to the geography of their permanent deployment). No, everyone knows that, together with long-term storage, Russia's tank stock is such that it will be enough in numbers for us, our allied friends, and our potential enemies. But as for the tanks in the line units, there are many different options for assessing, and very often they refer to different estimates of the early 2010s, when formations and parts of the frame were liquidated, divisions were converted into brigades. But since then a lot of water has flowed both in the rivers and from the stands. The Armed Forces of the Russian Federation gradually completed the formation of brigades, then proceeded to the formation of divisions.

Let's try to figure out how many cars we should have in parts, based on the approximate states and their total number. The exact organizational and staffing structures for each unit or formation in our country are secret, we have not been de facto members of the CFE Treaty for a long time, so there is no exact information on this score. But typical OShS are more or less known, so you can roughly estimate what we will do.

To begin with, we will open the Military Balance 2018 guide published by the Stockholm SIPRI. To be honest, even in the description of the NATO armies, this guide is full of mistakes and oddities, but when it comes to Russia, there is a feeling that, although the Vikings have become history, like the berserkers, the art of consumption of fly agaric is not forgotten in Sweden. Although the endless search by the Swedes for either submarines of the Russian Navy, or underwater means of movement of saboteurs, or even some bottom-mounted tracked vehicles (there was such a thing in the Swedish media at one time) also leads to these thoughts - obviously it can’t do without fly agarics either.

According to this reference book, the RF Armed Forces have 2,780 tanks in combat strength, but the fact that unreliable information is written there can be seen from which tanks and how many. For example, the T-90 and T-90A - 350 vehicles, but in fact there are, let's say, much fewer of them in the troops, and the T-90, in addition to a few vehicles in combat training groups of formations and training camps, mainly stand on the central reserve bases (SIPRI noted this, but the total figure of 550 vehicles is not true). T-72B3 and T-72B3 UBH - a total of 880 vehicles, in their opinion, although this modernization has been coming from UVZ in large quantities since 2011, in some years it reached 300 vehicles, and 200 were handed over a year, and all in any way they have in the directory up to 1000 at least not enough, although there have long been more than 1000 in fact. However, even a year or two ago, everything was even worse in the directory, there both the T-55 and T-62 were in reserve, for example. Which have long been removed from service (although, of course, they are still available at reserve bases, from where the same T-62 and T-62M get to Syria).

Some time ago, the American Insitute for the Study of War (ISW), the “Institute for the Study of War“ released a report Russia "s Military Posture - Ground Forces Order of Battle. From there we will take information about the number (for about the second half of last year) and deployment formations of the SV Armed Forces of the Russian Federation. We are not particularly interested in the deployment, but the formations themselves are. At the same time, we need to understand that this reference book is also inaccurate, for example, in a number of divisions fourth combat (combined arms - tank and motorized rifle) regiments have already been formed, and there they not indicated, something is not there at all, but this, in general, is not so important.When calculating, we will take as a basis that in separate motorized rifle brigades we have 41 tank battalions - 4 companies of 3 platoons of 3 tanks each plus a company tank in each and plus a battalion commander's tank.And in tank battalions of tank regiments of divisions and separate tank brigades - 31 tanks, in tank battalions of motorized rifle regiments of divisions we will take 41 tank staff as a basis (although options are possible) Although there are information and that they switched to the 42-tank and 32-tank states - another tank in the battalion's control. There are 3 tank battalions in a tank brigade, 1 motorized rifle battalion, vice versa in a motorized rifle brigade, 3 tank and motorized rifle battalions in a tank regiment, and vice versa in a motorized rifle brigade. The motorized rifle division has 3 motorized rifle and tank regiments (we are talking only about combined arms regiments, artillery and anti-aircraft missile and the rest of the economy we are not interested in now), the tank division is the opposite. Of course, we are talking about ordinary states, there are also so-called heavy ones. Accordingly, there are 41 (42?) tanks in a motorized rifle brigade or regiment, 94 (97?) tanks in a tank brigade, as well as in a tank regiment, 217 (223?) tanks in a motorized rifle division, and 323 (333) tanks in a tank division. It is clear that the division command also has tanks, but we will not count them. Of course, this is in a full-blooded division fully formed, but in reality, somewhere there are 3 regiments, somewhere 3 regiments and a tank battalion, but a regiment is already in the process of formation, and somewhere, maybe even 2 more regiments. But this, of course, is a temporary moment, and we do not take it into account.

So, according to the above report, the RF Armed Forces and the Coastal Forces of the Navy now have 12 armies (1 of them tank) and 4 army corps. In the Western Military District (ZVO), of this number, 3 armies (1 GvTA, 20 Guards OA, 6 OA) and 1 corps (11 Guards AK in the Kaliningrad defensive region), part of the joint operational-strategic command "North" (Northern fleet) includes 14 AKs on Kola Peninsula, in the Southern Military District (SMD) - 3 armies (8 Guards OA, 58 OA, 49 OA) and 1 corps (22 AK in Crimea), in the Central Military District (TsVO) - 2 armies (2 Guards OA, 41 OA), in the Eastern Military District (VVO) - 4 armies (29 OA, 35 OA, 36 OA, 5 OA) and 1 corps (68 AK on Sakhalin and the Kuriles). As part of the 1st Guards tank army 4th Guards Tank and 2nd Guards Motorized Rifle Divisions, 6th Separate Tank Brigade, 27th Guards Motorized Rifle Brigade (various formations and parts of army and corps kits do not count), the total is 675 (695) tanks, subject to additional formation fourth regiments in the 4th Guards Tank Division and 2nd Guards Motor Rifle Division, but so far they are only being formed. In the 20th Guards Combined Arms Army - 144 Guards. motor rifle divisions and 3 motor rifle divisions, as a result, 434 (446) tanks come out, provided that the divisions are completed to the end, but it is known that so far the fourth pair of regiments is only being formed there in both divisions. However, it is possible that 144 Guards. The MRD will have not one tank regiment, but two - a tank regiment is being formed on the basis of a separate tank battalion, and meanwhile, the division already has a 228th tank regiment. That is, the division will be something like 150 motor rifle divisions.

AT northern and northwestern parts of the Western Military District it’s much worse with tanks, in 6 OA there are only 2 motorized rifle brigades (138 and 25 omsbr), so there are only 82 (84) tanks per army, and the army is, in general, small. On the other hand, in potential opponents there are only the nano-superpowers of the Baltic states with three NATO combined battalions inside and Finland. True, apparently, in the RF Armed Forces, when forming divisions, they approach the issue anew in such a way that, obviously, as a result, each army will have at least one motorized division, so some similar decision is not ruled out in the coming years in this case. In the Kaliningrad 11 Guards AK, there are only two motorized rifle brigades (OMSBR), 7 Guards and 79 Guards, in total 82 (84) tanks. Tanks have not yet appeared in the nearby 336th Marine Guards Brigade of the Baltic Fleet, but a company and then a battalion will probably appear in the next couple of years - a similar process is already underway in the Pacific Fleet. So far, no one is forming any divisions there, but such a decision, as it seems, suggests itself in the future. However, soon only a fairy tale from the podium affects, and the deed is usually done much more slowly. In total, in the ZVO we have 1275 (1305) tanks in the ranks of linear formations, although in reality there are still somewhat fewer of them. If we add the 14th AK from the USC "Sever" there, then for now there definitely is a tank battalion in the 200th brigade, perhaps it is or will be in the 80th arctic brigade, there are no tanks in the 61st marine brigades yet, but they will definitely appear soon. So far we are counting 82 (84 tanks).

AT CVO, according to the same report, as part of the 2nd Guards. The OA now has 3 motorized rifle brigades, numbered 21, 15 and 30. But they are all different. The 21st Motorized Rifle Brigade from Totskoye seems to be the only one in the RF Armed Forces (perhaps not), formed according to the so-called. "heavy staff" with 2 tank and 2 motorized rifle battalions, it has 82 (84) tanks, but the 15th brigade is a peacekeeping brigade, there seems to be no tank battalion in it, which is up to 30 brigade, newly formed instead of units and formations withdrawn from this army after the start of the war in Ukraine (which became the basis for formation of the 144th Motor Rifle Division) - there is no information on its composition, except that in it the reconnaissance battalion, following the Syrian traces, seemed to be put on various light vehicles, starting with "Tigrov-M" and ending with "Patriots". Probably, there is still a tank battalion there. In general, we conditionally write down 123 (124) tanks for the army. According to the same document, the newly formed 90th Guards Tank Division is part of the 41st OA (earlier there was information that it remained under district subordination, who is right here is unknown), along with the 74th Guards. omsbr, 35 guards. brigade and 55th mountain brigade from Kyzyl in Tuva. The Tuvan "highlanders" don't have tanks, they don't need them, but everyone else has them. It also includes 201 military base in Tajikistan, which now has three motorized rifle regiment, like, tanks are everywhere. In total, a fairly strong fist comes out in 534 (543) tanks, if everything is correct, of course. In total, 657 (667) cars are obtained for the Central Military District.

AT VVO, despite 4 armies and a corps, divisions, namely they are the most "rich" in heavy armored vehicles, have not yet been formed, but only so far. Far from all armies themselves can be considered deployed, in a number of them there are 1-2 combined-arms brigades, and with deployed brigades and regiments of an army set. In general, this situation is understandable - China is currently not our enemy, but a friend and ally, and we have more and more potential enemies in Europe, in NATO. In total, in all these 4 armies and 1 corps there are 10 motorized rifle brigades, 1 tank brigade and 18 machine gun and artillery division in the Kuriles (fortified, but there are tank units in it, where without them), that is, approximately 600 tanks. In addition, in the Pacific Fleet, as part of the 155th Marine Brigade, there are no tanks yet, but they will be soon, a company is now deployed in the 40th Marine Brigade, but it will be reorganized into a battalion, we will also count it.

AT Southern military district Now in the 58 OA there are 42 Guards. msd, 19 and 136 omsbr, 4 guards military base in South Ossetia. The 42 Evpatoria Division is now fully deployed, but according to researchers from the United States, there is no tank regiment in it or it is being deployed. In total, 340 (350) cars are obtained. In 49 OA there are as many as 2 combined-arms brigades, 205 and 34 mountain brigades, in which there are no tanks. Much more interesting is the newly formed 8th Guards. The OA, formed with the clear aim of forcing various broad Cossacks from the territory adjacent to the republics of Donbass to peace, who love to talk about how they "restrain Russian fascism", not forgetting, of course, shouting Nazi slogans and "greeting the Sun" with a characteristic gesture. It has the 150th Idritsko-Berlin Motor Rifle Division, which includes 2 tank and 2 motorized rifle regiments, formed according to, as they say, difficult states. That is, there are much more tanks and artillery in it, not only the usual msd, but even than in td. If we assume (and this is most likely the case) that the states of this division repeat the OShS of the so-called "Ogarkov" heavy motorized rifle divisions, successfully dispersed under Gorbachev, then the tanks there as a result, upon completion of the formation, may be under 400. In those divisions, the battalions had 4 companies each (in the srb 3 msr and 1 tr, in the tb on the contrary), and all the tank companies were 13 tank companies, and the battalions even in the tank regiments had 40 tanks each. Moreover, at the battalion level there were 122-mm self-propelled guns 2S1 and a lot of other useful things, and in the regiments 152mm 2S3 served as artillery, which in ordinary divisions were in the artillery regiment. Also included in the same army is the 20th Guards. omsbr from Volgograd (if the Americans are not mistaken). In the Crimean 22 AK, there is only one combined-arms brigade with tanks so far - at number 126 from Perevalnoye, called the coastal defense brigade, but in fact it is a motorized rifle, just naval, like everything else in Crimea, subordination. This is another 41 (42 tanks). In total, 860-876 tanks come out in the Southern Military District, if all units are completed, and estimates for 150 divisions more or less coincide with reality.

In total, in all districts, 3475-3530 vehicles are in service. In reality, there are fewer of them, for the above reasons - not all connections are completed, on the other hand, training centers and military schools, where there are still more than one hundred tanks, we also do not count, like many other things. And, of course, tanks at the bases for the storage and repair of military equipment (BHiRVT), that is, the bases for the formation of regiments and brigades of the first stage of mobilization, are not taken into account (everything else is already formed on the basis of equipment from the central bases of the reserve). These BHiRVT are now being reorganized into the so-called TsOMRs (centers for providing micro-deployment), in fact, this is the same base, but with training and other bases to ensure the activities of reservists of the permanent reserve, which was recently legalized officially, and this is a very good and long overdue decision. We do not take into account the bases of the double-based system, where sets of equipment are stored for formations transferred lightly from the depths of the country, and the central bases of the reserve themselves - after all, we counted combat vehicles. So in total about 15 thousand cars would come out, perhaps less than 12-13 thousand.

At the same time, it must be said that the formation of divisions will continue in the near future. So, according to media reports, the formation of three motorized rifle divisions at once (perhaps less, nevertheless) will begin in the Southern Military District on the basis of the 19th, 20th and 136th motorized brigade. There were also reports about the creation of a "coastal defense" division in the North, perhaps even two - on the Kola Peninsula and in Chukotka. The formation of divisions also begins beyond the Urals, for example, in the 5th Red Banner OA in Primorye, the 127th Red Banner Motor Rifle Division is being formed. Each motorized rifle division means an increase of about 176 or more tanks (this is if it is formed on the basis of one motorized rifle brigade, but if there are two, then the increase will be less significant). It is clear that with such a deployment of units, the RF Ministry of Defense was ready to abandon the previously declared thesis about getting rid of the variety of tanks and to intensively return the T-80BV tanks to service with repairs and minimal modernization, while simultaneously launching a program to modernize their fleet in the T-80BVM. We need a lot of tanks, and we still need a lot of personnel, especially officers. And there are problems with the release of young officers - a truly normal release in terms of numbers is only expected, before that officers who acted under small set to schools. Of course, this is not the situation before the Great Patriotic War, when 30 mechanized corps were formed, and the shortfall before the war in them reached tens of thousands of posts. But we are not in the same situation as before the war. Although it is clear that the RF Armed Forces are gradually deploying, this is not of a mobilization nature. The situation in the world has simply changed - the priorities, goals, tasks, and requirements for the structure and number, including the tank fleet, have changed.

In addition, we forgot about the Airborne Forces, and after all, 6 tank companies have been formed there (in each of 2 air assault divisions and 4 air assault brigades), companies in divisions are deployed into battalions, in brigades, it seems, as long as they remain companies or then also become battalions. That's over a hundred tanks.

And is it a lot or a little - more than three thousand tanks in the ranks of linear units? This is a lot, considering that even the US army has only 10 tank brigades with 87 tanks each, 3 of the same brigades in the National Guard and several hundred (maximum) tanks in the ILC. And there is nothing to say about the various European "great powers": with the exception of the Poles, as well as the Greeks and Turks (whose almost completely outdated tank parks mostly aimed at each other), the European powers are lucky to have two hundred cars in service. France has 200 vehicles, Germany has 225 (there is a plan to deploy up to 328), Britain has less than 200 and so on. But there are also fleets of 32-40 vehicles, such members in NATO are in the absolute majority. This is if you do not touch on the real combat readiness of these units, formations and armies in these countries. As well as comparing the technical level of all vehicles in service with the RF Armed Forces or NATO countries. But this is no longer the topic of this article.