Russia’s decimated tank fleet – 60-year old T-62 tank fighting in Ukraine

By Maya Carlin

Last week, Russia celebrated its annual Victory Day Parade in the Red Square. Meant to honor the former Soviet Union’s victory over Nazi Germany in the Second World War, this year’s parade was strikingly different from previous celebrations.

Typically, Moscow pulls out the works during this significant holiday, showcasing a range of its more modern and advanced airframes, main battle tanks (MBTs) and other military equipment.

This year, however, a sole Soviet-era T-34 tank traversed through the parade accompanied by a small number of soldiers. Considering the rate that Russia has been losing MBTs since the onset of its invasion more than fourteen months ago, this tiny display was expected.

According to the Ukrainian Ministry of Defense, the Kremlin could have lost upwards of 3,500 tanks, along with more than 7,000 armored vehicles since the start of the war.

While these numbers may be inflated, Moscow has undoubtedly suffered staggering tank losses.

T-62s sent to Ukraine?

In March, the UK’s Defense Ministry released a statement on social media, revealing that “The Russian military has continued to respond to heavy armored vehicle losses by deploying 60-year-old T-62 main battle tanks.” The post continued that, “There is a realistic possibility that even units of the 1st Guards Tank Army, supposedly Russia’s premier tank force, will be re-equipped with T-62s to make up for previous losses.”

The Kremlin’s decision to turn to its antiquated stockpiles of Soviet-era MBTs certainly indicates that Russia is struggling to replenish its constantly dwindling arsenal of equipment needed to fight Ukraine.