Tank breakthrough: how is the modernization of the main combat vehicles of the Russian army. The newest tanks of Russia How many tanks are in service with the Russian Federation

Tank forces- striking force of the army

And any military expert will confirm that this is true. Without tank support it is difficult to imagine a successful offensive operation, especially when it comes to fortified enemy positions. Although, in fairness, it is worth noting that the Russian Tank Forces are not just tanks.

The composition of this type of troops also includes other armored vehicles: infantry fighting vehicles, self-propelled artillery, tractors, armored personnel carriers and much more. Even specialized educational establishments and military command and control bodies are part of the tank forces. So you must understand that this is not just an armada. powerful armored vehicles, but a complex structure.

Without the Tank Forces, the losses of Soviet (and Russian) military formations would have been more significant. Take, for example, the Great Patriotic War, where tanks played one of the decisive roles. Or, the conflict in Georgia in 2008. Indeed, without powerful tank support, it might not have ended so quickly. Who knows what it would turn into. So the role of the Tank Forces in Russian army it is difficult to overestimate (as in other powerful armies of the world).

By the way, for all tankers, the Voenpro military department has not only informational materials about the type of troops, but also high-quality ones, which will always remind you of the best moments of service.

Armament of the Russian Tank Forces

Once upon a time, the Soviet Tank Forces could be considered one of the best on the planet (if not the best). So, for example, in terms of the number of tanks, the Soviets surpassed everyone. However, for decades, tank forces have been slowly but surely reduced. The saddest period for this type of troops is the "dashing 90s", when the army lost not only a lot of equipment, but also a lot of professional personnel.

However, in last years the trend has changed a bit. At this stage, a full-scale rearmament is underway, which in the future should significantly increase the combat capability of the Russian Tank Forces, even with a decrease in the number of combat vehicles themselves.

But, while it is still far from complete rearmament, I would like to talk about the combat vehicles that were in service national army and let her long years dictate their unswerving will to potential adversaries.

Tank T-90A/K/AK/S

The main battle tank of the Russian Federation, which is in service with the Tank Forces in several modifications. The tank has earned high marks not only from domestic, but also from many foreign experts. Total number military vehicles - more than 500 in the RF Armed Forces, about 1000 were exported, there are also a number of auxiliary vehicles based on the T-90.

In addition to impressive combat performance, the versatility of the vehicle in combat use in various regions with extreme climates. T-90 proved to be a reliable MBT in the conditions of the North, in the deserts Saudi Arabia, the humid jungles of Malaysia and India, which competitors cannot boast of.

Tank T-80B/BV/U

Pretty good fighting machine, albeit a little outdated. More than 4,000 of these machines are in service with the Russian Federation, but by 2015 it is planned to completely remove them from the “combat post” and replace them with more modern models. To what extent this will be accomplished, time will tell.

Powerful gas turbine engine(GTE with 1000-1250 hp, depending on modification) made this MBT ideal for developing success in Europe, but now military doctrine a different and similar combat vehicle is losing its relevance as a means of implementing a strategy.

Tank T-72A/B

Another "age" tank, which, it would seem, can be decommissioned. But it was decided to upgrade the machine level T-72B3. Perhaps this is due to the large number of this model - about 9,000 units. It’s a pity to simply “throw out” such an amount of excellent armored vehicles, to put it mildly. The only question remains: to what extent the upgraded tank will meet international standards.

Yes, this combat vehicle proved to be excellent in various wars, but the early modifications are obsolete and only further modernization can leave the T-72B3 MBT competitive on the modern battlefield.

As mentioned earlier, the composition of the Russian Tank Forces includes not only tanks. So, for example, about 6,000 infantry fighting vehicles (BMP-2 and BMP-3) are in service with the Russian Federation. There are also several hundred self-propelled anti-tank systems, about 15,000 armored personnel carriers of various modifications and 7 types of combat reconnaissance vehicles with a total of more than 2,000 units.

Of course, this is not full list what is in service with the tank forces of the Russian Federation, but even this is enough to understand how powerful the armored "colossus" is in defense of the borders of Russia. Now, if the Tank Forces had not been destroyed systematically and for many years, it would be even better. But the days of "Serdyukovism" have passed and now we can look to the future with optimism.

Tank troops of Russia and the USA. Comparison

To better understand what the military potential of the Tank Forces of the Russian Federation is, let's compare it with another militarily powerful country, namely the United States.

Well, let's start with the tanks themselves. We will not get into any technical details, the number of crews, training, testing and other factors, but we will talk exclusively about the number of Tank Forces of Russia and the States, respectively.

So, in service with the United States in this moment there are about 7,000 tanks. Not all of them are latest designs. If we talk about the "top", then there are almost 600 of them in the US Army (Abrams M1A2SEP). As for the Russian Federation, our latest T-90 tank (T-90A and T-90AK) is presented in approximately 500 copies. The discrepancies, so to speak, are not critical. But, total Russian tanks several times higher than the indicators of overseas colleagues. Thus, even if only a third of domestic tanks are prepared for battle, this will be enough.

Move on. We have artillery next. The United States has about 1,500 towed weapons and approximately 2,000 self-propelled guns. Russia has 6800 self-propelled units, as well as 7500 towed trunks. The latter, however, will become thinner, but even without this, in terms of artillery, the Russian Federation is superior to its competitor.

By the way, Russia also has more MLRS, and significantly: 3500 versus 830 US ones. And, given the fact that artillery is the God of War, the conclusion suggests itself. Moreover, if you look at advanced models built on the T-90 chassis, for example, TOS-1A Solntsepek, then we will not find similar analogues overseas.

If we talk about BMPs, then here the Russian Federation is also superior to the United States. Russia is armed with approximately 2 times more infantry fighting vehicles of various modifications. But in terms of armored personnel carriers, the States broke into the front. America has 16,000 machines, compared to about 5,000 domestic.

Outcome

What do we have in the end? Many say that the Russian Tank Forces are now in a deplorable state. Nonsense. In recent years, it has been possible to seriously raise the level of combat training of personnel, improve the morale and psychological state. Officers finally began to receive decent pay for their difficult service. Perhaps, when compared with the times of the dawn of the USSR, there is still something to strive for. But the progress is clear.

If we take into account the fact that after the collapse of the Union, the Tank Forces were systematically destroyed, then the current state of affairs is far from being as sad as some alarmist "experts" say. The number of armored vehicles in Russia is sufficient, there are practically enough qualified personnel, and rearmament is in full swing.

You can talk a lot about the advantages and disadvantages Russian technology, but here's the paradox: where the Russian Tank Forces are, for some reason, there is always a victory for our troops!

You also need to understand that the “defense industry” is an expensive pleasure and it’s not so easy to just take and “change clothes” for all the Armed Forces. But it's not easy - that doesn't mean it's impossible. In any case, the Tank Forces of the Russian Federation still have "gunpowder in the powder flask" and a lot.

"Voenpro" will also remind you of the opportunity to purchase hundreds of various and high-quality items in our catalogs.

Tank troops are a kind ground forces. They are capable of performing combat missions both independently and in cooperation with other branches of the armed forces. Technical power and armament make tank troops suitable for combat operations in any weather conditions, at night and even under the influence of damaging factors nuclear weapons.

The main tasks of the tank troops

Tank troops perform the following tasks:

• in the offensive - breaking through the enemy's defenses and penetrating his defensive formations to a great depth;
• in defense - support for motorized rifle troops in repelling an enemy offensive, delivering counterattacks and counterattacks.

History of creation

The history of the creation and combat use of tank troops begins with the First World War of 1914-1918, when the British first used self-propelled armored units with light weapons on board. The first battle took place on the Somme in 1916, where the tanks won a landslide victory.

By August 1914 in Russian Empire in service is about 12 armored vehicles. By 1917, there were already 7 armored trains and 300 armored vehicles in Russia.

Formation of troops in the USSR

In May 1918, the first school for commanders of armored car units was opened in Moscow. The first Soviet-made tanks began to enter the Red Army in 1920. These were light vehicles armed with small-caliber guns. Until 1922, the armored forces of the Red Army were equipped with French tanks, which later became the prototypes of the famous KS model.

In 1923, the armored detachments were transformed into a tank squadron equipped with light and heavy tanks. In 1929, under the command of the Department of Motorization and Mechanization of the Red Army, there were already more than 110 vehicles, and in 1932 their number reached 500 units. In the same year it was created Military Academy mechanization and motorization of the Red Army.

Triandafilov V.K. became the first Soviet developer of tactics for the use of armored forces. Based on his calculations, tanks began to be used in "deep offensive operations."

Until 1935, the ranks of the Red Army were replenished with tanks of three categories - light, medium and heavy.

Mechanized and tank units in 1937 formed a new Armored Armored Forces, consisting of 4 mechanized corps, 6 separate brigades and 6 tank regiments. Despite the constantly growing number of armored vehicles and tanks, they continued to work closely with the cavalry regiments, which in 1937 reached 15 units.

Such formations, in cooperation with the infantry, were the strongest offensive force capable of performing almost any task. combat mission to break through the front and suppress enemy resistance.

As a result of the military conflict on the Russian-Chinese border and near the Khalkhin Gol, tanks with reinforced armor were created, and the caliber of guns was increased. These were the famous medium T-34s and heavy KV-1s.

By 1941, based on the experience of the Spanish company, carried out using tanks, 18 tank divisions and 45 brigades, headed by the first graduates of the Military Academy.

By the beginning of the Great Patriotic War, the Red Army had almost 1,800 tanks, but most of them were lost in the first months of hostilities.

The evacuation of factories for the production of armored vehicles beyond the Urals made it possible by December 1941 to bring the number of tanks to 4,000 units, and by May 1942 to 6,000. On the basis of such a material base, the 3rd and 5th tank armies were formed, which launched an offensive in all fronts since 1942.

In the same 1942, the armored forces were officially created. The offensive of the Soviet troops near Stalingrad began.

Soviet tanks passed through Poland, Czechoslovakia and others European countries, freeing them from the Nazi invaders. This victorious procession under the walls of the Reichstag in Berlin ended with the complete defeat of the German army.

However, the service of Soviet tankers in Germany had just begun. In order to deter military aggression against Soviet Union from Great Britain and the United States of America in the territory East Germany tank units were formed, which are on constant combat duty.

Modern history

Russia inherited powerful tank forces from the USSR. In 2005, 23,000 tanks of various modifications were in service. In 2009, only 2,000 vehicles remained in service.

The country was faced with the task of modernizing tank park. From 2005 to 2010 tank units were replenished with T-90 vehicles.

In parallel, new samples were developed. In 2011, all forces were concentrated on the development of a new generation tank - the T-14 Armata.

In service Russian Federation Since 1991, there have been tanks T-72BA, T-80BA, T-80UA, T-80U-E1 and T-90A, which are constantly being modernized and improved.

At the Victory Parade in 2015, the Armata tank, which is a product of new concept tank building. Take, for example, the fact that the Armata turret is uninhabited, which makes it possible to reduce its size and make the tank less visible on the battlefield. And his crew is located at the bottom of the car. On the platform of "Armata" it is planned to create a whole cluster of new combat vehicles.

Armament

Tank weapons are a complex various kinds weapons and control systems: cannon, machine guns, anti-tank rocket launchers, systems of stabilization and guidance of means of destruction. Shooting can be carried out both during the day and at night, which makes the vehicle dangerous for the enemy in any visibility and at any time of the day.

A separate mention should be made of the tank gun. If in 1930 tanks were equipped with 30 or 45 mm caliber guns, then by 1980 they were equipped with 100 and 125 mm smoothbore guns, allowing the use of shells of various actions - armor-piercing, fragmentation and cumulative. On the modern tanks there are 120 and 125 mm caliber guns, and in the future, 140 and 152 mm caliber guns with the ability to use nuclear weapons are being considered.

Throughout the history of tank building, the gun loading system has also been improved. Previously, the projectile was fed into the breech of the gun in the form of an integral product, consisting of a cartridge case with a powder charge and a head recessed into it. In the tank of the 40s there was even a position - loader. AT modern machines an automatic ammunition supply system is used. In this case, a tank shot consists of two parts: a powder charge and, in fact, a projectile. This arrangement makes it possible to diversify the striking abilities of the projectile from fragmentation to high-explosive, while saving the internal space of the tank.

The use of machine guns - course, coaxial and anti-aircraft guns: the first two types are installed in front of the tank, on the frontal armor and in the turret. The anti-aircraft machine gun is located on the tank turret and is designed to fight enemy aircraft and drones. However, continuous improvement aircraft makes the anti-aircraft machine gun ineffective, so it is used by tankers as a target designator, if loaded with tracer cartridges, or to suppress lightly armored enemy vehicles and their manpower.

During the Great Patriotic War, a flamethrower was installed on tanks to destroy enemy manpower. But a few years after the war, this type of armament on tanks was canceled.

Holiday

Tankman's Day is celebrated on the second Sunday of September. The holiday was established a year after the end of the war to commemorate the great merits of armored and mechanized troops in the defeat of the Nazi invaders, as well as for the merits of tank builders in equipping Armed Forces countries with armored vehicles.

Emblem

The emblem of the tank troops is a stylized drawing of a tank. On the sleeve chevron Soviet tanker flaunted a tank with a red star above it.

In the buttonholes and on the shoulder straps of the tankers there was a small gold tank, on the field uniform it was khaki.

The Russian emblem of the tank troops is a full-face image of a tank framed by oak branches.

The name of the machine "tank" was born during the First World War as a result of covert work on the machine. To increase secrecy in production, rumors spread that the plant was assembling a large container for heating water, in English "tank" - a barrel. After the armored vehicle entered the battlefield, its name remained unchanged - a tank.

It is noteworthy that driving a tank or a tracked armored personnel carrier requires a special document in which the tank is equated to a tractor.

Tank troops have a glorious history. They were reorganized many times, renamed, changed tactics and strategy of conducting battles. But through all the years and trials, the tankers carried love for their vehicles and unparalleled courage. After all, if a shell, armor-piercing or cumulative, hits the tank, then, as a rule, the entire crew dies at once. For from the striking elements of the projectile, armor fragments, high temperature you can't hide in a cramped tank. In this regard, the tankers in the crew always perceived each other as brothers, family. They fought together and died together.

Eternal memory and glory to the tank heroes who defended our Motherland in the Great Patriotic War and other local conflicts around the world!

In the coming months, the main battle tank T-90M Proryv-3 (object 188M) will be adopted by the Russian army. The first batch, which will go to the troops, will be 30-40 vehicles. This is reported by TASS with reference to the press service of the corporation "Uralvagonzavod" (UVZ).

T-90 "Vladimir" is promising development late 1980s. In the 2000s, this machine became the most popular in the world market. In addition to excellent driving characteristics and firepower, the model differed from its predecessor (T-72B) in the presence of an automated fire control system.

According to information International Institute Strategic Studies (IISS), in Russian troops on the move 350 T-90 and T-90A. Since 2011, UVZ has not been producing this machine, and in 2015, development work (R&D) on Breakthrough-3 started.

• Tanks T-90
• RIA News

The T-90M will feature a new combat turret module with an improved fire control system and a more modern loading system. At the same time, the guns will remain the same: a 125 mm 2A46M-4 smoothbore gun, a coaxial 7.62 mm PKTM machine gun and a 12.7 mm NSV Utyos.

The awareness of the T-90M crew will increase significantly. The tank is equipped with a video surveillance system for the surrounding space and a multi-channel panoramic thermal imaging sight, which allows you to fight in any direction at any time of the day.

A modern software and hardware communication system will allow the T-90M to operate in the theater of operations (theater of operations) within the framework of a single information space. The machine is actually integrated into automated system tactical command.

The T-90M will be equipped with a V-92S2 engine with a power of 1000 hp. Power point will be equipped with a programmable heater, which will reduce the start-up time in the cold season. The supply of electrical appliances with the engine off will be carried out using a diesel generator set.

UVZ designers also worked on improving the protective properties of the tank. The wedge-shaped elements of the Relikt dynamic protection developed by the Moscow Research Institute of Steel (2006) will be responsible for the frontal part. The complex is able to protect the vehicle from most modern projectiles, and the modular layout facilitates the repair and replacement of damaged structures.

“When creating a set of additional protective equipment, the features of previous projects were taken into account. The result of this was a certain reduction in the weakened zones of additional protection, which had a positive effect on the general parameters of the vehicle's survivability. In combination with active protection, all this should give a significant increase in real efficiency, ”the UVZ noted.

"Jet" tank

Currently, another modernized version of the late Soviet tank is at the final stage of testing. We are talking about the T-80BVM, which in its own way performance characteristics will be comparable to the combat capabilities of the T-72B3.

The contract for the modernization of the T-80BV was concluded between the Ministry of Defense of the Russian Federation and the Nizhny Tagil enterprise on August 24, 2017 at the international exhibition "Army". As specified in Uralvagonzavod, the agreement is "long-term", and the volume of the first batch may be two tank battalions (60-80 vehicles).

• Upgraded T-80BVM tank on display armored vehicles in honor of the Day of the tanker on the territory of the 33rd combined arms training ground. Luga (Leningrad region), 09/09/2017
• Decoder / otvaga2004.mybb.ru

Official sources do not report the number of T-80BVs in the Russian troops. According to IISS calculations, at the beginning of 2017, the Russian army was armed with 450 T-80s in the BV and U versions. At the same time, 3 thousand T-80B, T-80BV and T-80U were in storage.

The decision of the military department to modernize part of the T-80 fleet was reported by the media at the end of 2016. The work was entrusted to two enterprises that are part of the structure of UVZ - JSC "Omsktransmash" and JSC "SKB Transport Engineering" (St. Petersburg).

The basic model T-80 (1976) was a revolutionary development of the Kirov SKB-2. It was the world's first serial tank with a single gas turbine power plant. The main advantages of the machine are the outstanding driving performance. The T-80 was much faster and more maneuverable than its competitors.

In the scenario of a land war with NATO, it was supposed to use the T-80 as one of the main means of breaking through the enemy's defenses. In response to the aggression of the alliance, a group of machines with gas turbine engines was supposed to deliver a lightning-fast asymmetric strike. Therefore, the brainchild of SKB-2 was jokingly nicknamed the "English Channel tank".

The speed of the T-80 reaches 80 km / h (against 65 km / h of the diesel T-72). The noise of the T-80 engine is deafening and resembles the sound of a fighter jet taking off. For this reason, the tank received another nickname - "jet".

The T-80BVM, like the T-90M, will be equipped with the Relikt protection system. Firepower tank will not change. As before, it will be equipped with a 125 mm cannon and two machine guns of 7.62 mm and 12.7 mm caliber. The changes will affect the fire control system. It is known that the T-80BVM will receive the Sosna-U all-weather thermal imaging sight, capable of detecting enemy tanks at a distance of up to 5 km, and automated digital equipment.

The power of the gas turbine engine (GTE) of the upgraded tank will be 1250 hp. The updated power plant will be less “gluttonous” than on previous models. The fuel consumption of the late Soviet T-80 was up to 8 liters per 1 km, while for the T-72 and T-90 this figure does not exceed 4 liters.

To reduce fuel consumption, the St. Petersburg Special Design Bureau has developed a system for synchronously turning on the generator and starter for starting the T-80BVM engine. It is expected that the upgraded tank will spend 4-5 liters of fuel per kilometer, retaining all its previous advantages, including "omnivorousness".

• T-80BVM
• Press Service of the Ministry of Defense of the Russian Federation

An important advantage of GTE over diesel engine is the speed of starting in frosty conditions (3 minutes at -40 ° C versus 30 minutes for a diesel installation). The T-80 power plant is replaced within 3-4 hours (for a diesel counterpart - 6-12 hours). However, the repair of a gas turbine engine requires dismantling and sending it to the workshop, which turns into a disadvantage in the field.

Realization of potential

The Ministry of Defense of the Russian Federation explains the need for modernization by the shortcomings of serial tank equipment, which were identified during the Syrian operation. In particular, this was announced on September 7, 2017 by the head of the main armored department of the Ministry of Defense of the Russian Federation Alexander Shevchenko.

The point of view was established in the Western media that the modernization of the tank fleet (like other military equipment Russian Federation) fits into the mainstream of Moscow's course towards confrontation with NATO. As part of this policy, Russia allegedly strengthens strike groups near the western borders, replenishing them with the latest and modernized weapons.

Chief Editor magazine "Arsenal of the Fatherland" Viktor Murakhovsky takes a different point of view. According to him, the T-80BVM is intended to a greater extent to strengthen the Arctic group of troops. And the 1st Guards tank army, which is of concern to NATO, will be re-equipped with T-90M and T-14 Armata.

“The characteristics of gas turbine engines are almost ideal for operation in the Arctic. I don’t think that T-80BVMs will be massively delivered to parts of the Western Military District. According to my information, the Kantemirovskaya division (part of the 1st Army), which is now armed with the T-80BV, will only receive new generation equipment - the T-90M and T-14, ”Murakhovsky told RT.

The expert doubts that the decision of the Ministry of Defense of the Russian Federation to modernize the tank fleet was caused by the aggravation of the geopolitical situation and is a response to the expansion of the military infrastructure of the alliance. According to Murakhovsky, the renewal of the T-80 and T-90 fleet is dictated by quite pragmatic considerations.

“More than two decades have passed, and machines should receive more modern equipment and protection systems. The purpose of the modernization of the T-80BVM is to bring combat capabilities machines to those possessed by the T-72B3. In turn, the upgrade of the T-90M is aimed at realizing the potential inherent in this tank before the large-scale arrival of the T-14,” said Murakhovsky.

The basis of the armored forces is the MBT created back in the Soviet Union. At the beginning of 1990, about 63900 tanks were in the army and on conservation. Between 2005 and 2010, the number decreased from 23,000 to 18,000 vehicles, most of which are in storage.

The army uses approximately 2,700 tanks, most of which are various modifications of the T-72, such as the T-72B or T-72B3. The latter is a cheap modification of the T-72B and has been repeatedly criticized. Nevertheless, it was produced in the amount of 800 units and, according to some characteristics, is catching up with the T-90.

The T-90 Vladimir was also created on the basis of the T-72B, or rather, it is its very deep modernization. Received best armor, KOEP Shtora-1, a new tower, a powerful engine, modern system fire control and many other improvements.

Starting in 2001, the T-90 was the most popular tank in the world for 9 years. In total, more than 1800 different modifications were released.

In 2011, a modification of the T-90AM Proryv appeared with a new turret, fire control system and reactive armor Relikt.

Nothing is known about the combat use of the T-90 except for the war in Syria, where in 2016 one of them was hit by a TOW-2A ATGM, but did not receive serious damage.

It is worth recalling the gas turbine T-80, which did not gain popularity among our troops, but is very interesting car. In the army for 2016 there are about 450 of these tanks and another 3000 in storage.

New Russian tanks

2015 has become a festive year for those who follow the development of domestic armored vehicles. At the Victory Parade, they demonstrated the Armata platform, which has long excited the minds of tank lovers. On its basis, the T-14 Armata MBT was created with uninhabited tower, BMP T-15 and several other types of equipment.

Lighter platforms will also appear: the medium tracked Kurganets-25 and the wheeled Boomerang. Distinctive features new technology is increased crew protection and unification.

When creating Almaty, the experience of developing the T-95 was used. For example, the layout of the hull, developments on the automatic loader and armor.

In 2016, new equipment should be tested, put into service and mass production. It is difficult to say how quickly it will replace aging vehicles in the army, but our country plans to produce 2300 Armats by 2020.

Comparison

Western tanks have much more weight and high silhouette than Russian ones.

Domestic vehicles have a greater range of fire due to the use of guided missiles and a higher rate of fire, which does not slow down over time, thanks to automatic loaders. However, the latter are often called the Achilles' heel, because when detonated they instantly destroy the tank along with the crew.

The T-14 Armata became a work on the bugs, having received a crew separated from ammunition, the highest security due to passive and dynamic armor, as well as a complex active protection. At the same time, its dimensions began to impress even against the background of foreign MBTs.

We can say that in recent years the vector of development of our armored vehicles has turned sharply. Much attention has been paid to the protection of vehicles and their crew, ergonomics have improved significantly, and digital systems have become familiar.

Economist, mathematician. 30 years of experience in government statistics. Date: 7 June 2019. Reading time 6 min.

Number of tanks in Russia current year, according to Globalfirepower 21.9 thousand, more than in other countries of the world. The Ministry of Defense predicts to bring the share of new equipment to 70% by 2027.

Battle tank appeared in the First world war. It was designed to overcome miles of trenches and obstacles along the Western Front. For the first time, fighting vehicles of the British and Germans fought among themselves. Their strength continues to be the main symbol of power for any modern land army. It is not so easy to realistically calculate how many tanks there are in Russia. The Ministry of Defense of the Russian Federation does not disseminate such information. So you can only use expert assessments, data published in the report "Russia's Military Posture - Ground Forces Order of Battle" by the American ISW ​​(Institute for the Study of War) and the international online publication Global Firepower (GFP).

The potential of the Russian Federation among the strongest armies in the world

Do not be surprised that there are much more tanks in Russia than in any country in the world. The Russian Federation has the longest land border. Not to mention the fact that the wars of the last two centuries the country has waged mainly on own territory. The RF Armed Forces relied heavily on tank troops.

Despite the advances made on the modern battlefield, the battle tank remains the main spearhead for ground offensive units that combine the properties of firepower and mobility in unified system(Global Firepower).

At the heart of the Russian tank forces are vehicles that have proven themselves in all notable conflicts. recent decades. The T-14 "Armata" will be adopted very soon, latest model armored vehicles are already undergoing military tests.

The US M1 Abrams have been in service for a little less than a quarter of a century - the vast majority in the US Army.

"Type 96" prevails in the People's Liberation Army of China.

Number of tanks in Russia

About the T-72, T-80 and T-90 vehicles, which form the basis of the armament of the Russian army, the official website of the Ministry of Defense reports. The truth about quantitative parameters each model, of course, is not mentioned. According to independent sources, there are no more than 14 thousand of them.

There is no data here about the outdated, but still combat-capable T-55, T-62 and T-64. They are stored in reserve, but there are a lot of them - about 8 thousand (about 2.8 thousand of them T-55, up to 2.3 thousand - T-64, 1.6 thousand - T-62).

The armored vehicle of the new generation "Armata" with its release launched the course for enhanced equipment military units novelties. About 2,300 "Armat" will appear in the troops according to the plans of the Ministry of Defense of the Russian Federation. By the way, the serial machines received for testing differ from the previously presented prototypes: a number of components and assemblies have been replaced with them, and new systems have also appeared.

But the earlier generations of the T-80 and T-90 armored vehicles have not completely outlived their usefulness.

Table 1. Characteristics of armored vehicles of the Russian army, thousand units

Source: "Army Bulletin"

Most different sources differently evaluate the equipment of this military equipment. It can be confidently stated that no one, except for the military department, will name their real number.

Table 2. Number of tanks in Russia

Source: Globalfirepower, Military Industrial Courier

Not all of the almost 64 thousand vehicles that the USSR had in the troops and in storage at the beginning of 1990 survived the upheavals of the 90s. Significant quantities of them were transferred to the governments of the formed independent states. The Russian army has been reduced. In addition, the federal government could not contain too much equipment.

By the mid-2000s, the army had about 22-23 thousand tanks, and by the beginning of the 2010s, this number gradually decreased. Moreover, the bulk of the cars are in conservation.

Since the appearance of the first Russian "Tsar Tank" in 1915 with a three-wheeled mechanism, the models of Soviet armored vehicles have undergone significant changes.

Table 3 Combat vehicles in 1941-1945, thousand pieces