By John Q. Hosedrinker 
Due to significant equipment losses in the war against Ukraine and a shortage of modern military equipment, Russia is returning outdated T-62 tanks to service. Ukraine’s military intelligence (HUR) reports that the primary restoration of these tanks is taking place in the far-eastern Zabaykalsky Krai. The deployment of the T-62s is a temporary measure stemming from a severe shortage of modern battle tanks, with some potentially being used for defensive positions. Russia has reportedly lost a significant number of tanks since the start of its full-scale invasion.
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Russia revives obsolete T-62 tanks amid equipment shortages, Ukraine’s intel claims. It certainly seems like things are getting desperate for Russia, as reports suggest they’re pulling out mothballed T-62 tanks and sending them to the front lines in Ukraine. It’s a significant shift, especially considering the supposed prowess of their modern tank fleet. The fact that we are now seeing these older tanks re-enter service, coupled with reported losses, is painting a clear picture of a strained military facing significant equipment shortages.
The situation really highlights the evolving nature of this conflict. It seems that, as time goes on, the initial losses of newer tanks like the T-72 and T-80 are being replaced by a reliance on tanks that have been in storage for decades. We’ve actually seen these T-62s in action for over a year already, suggesting this is not entirely a new phenomenon. If Ukraine’s claims about tank losses are accurate, which is tough to fully verify, it paints a grim picture of attrition for the Russian military. They have reportedly lost a staggering amount of tanks since the start of the war, and that number just keeps growing.
It’s tough not to see this as a sign of desperation. With so many modern tanks supposedly being manufactured, the presence of these relics of the Cold War raises serious questions about production capabilities. It’s like watching a once-proud giant stumble, resorting to older, less effective tools. I can’t help but wonder if the rumors of T-34s and T-44s entering the fray are just around the corner.
There’s also a certain irony to this. The T-62, while capable of firing, is severely outmatched by modern weaponry. It’s essentially a mobile metal box with a big gun, susceptible to a wide array of anti-tank weapons, including drones. The question is, what roles will they be deployed in? Will they be used as indirect fire support, training platforms, or perhaps against less-equipped adversaries?
And let’s be honest, it’s unlikely they are prioritizing the safety of the crews. The old stuff is going in first because they know it’ll be destroyed, and they would rather it be the older stuff than the newly produced ones. You have to wonder how much the crews of these relics are trained, or what their morale must be like. The reality is that these tanks are unlikely to be effective against a modern army. The economics of war come into play here, too. Missile systems might be more valuable than the old tanks, making them a strategic liability.
We’re seeing a clear shift in the types of tanks being deployed. The modern tanks that are being produced, the T-90Ms, aren’t necessarily being deployed to the front lines. They are likely being kept back, perhaps for strategic reserve. It’s a case of having to make the most of what is available, and that means re-activating old equipment. This also brings up the question of how quickly they can be refurbished. What does that process look like? What is the quality of the refits?
The use of older tanks also presents an interesting battlefield dynamic. The T-62s, while vulnerable, can still provide some armor and firepower against certain targets. Their use is, in a way, a tactical move, aimed at supporting infantry and engaging in more static engagements. If they can be used to draw fire, or occupy Ukrainian forces, then they have served their purpose.
And let’s not forget the impact of all this on morale. Both sides are facing equipment shortages. One can’t help but wonder how Russian troops feel knowing they are riding into battle in relics of a bygone era. At least the T-62s can still provide a relatively safe way to shell Ukrainian positions from a distance.
The ongoing war, and the deployment of obsolete T-62 tanks, raises questions about the future of this conflict. Will the trend continue? Will we see even older tanks and equipment being dragged from storage? It also says a lot about the endurance of the Russian military. It is an astonishing feat that they can keep fighting, even in the face of huge losses and mounting challenges. What’s next – muskets and catapults? At the end of the day, even obsolete tanks can still be a threat.