Russia's modernised T‑80BWM tanks: Resilience amidst losses
The Russian Uralvagonzavod plants have announced another delivery of tanks. This includes T-80BWM tanks, which were ceremonially blessed before being dispatched to the front. Here's what distinguishes them.
Unfortunately, the number of units produced and delivered remains undisclosed, but if it matches what can be seen in the video below, there are three units. Interestingly, they were also blessed by an individual resembling a clergyman from the Orthodox Church. However, this is unlikely to alter the increasing number of Russians who openly refer to their tanks as "steel coffins."
T-80BWM tanks - the strengthened armoured spearhead of the USSR
The T-80BWM tanks are among the most recent additions to the Russian arsenal, with production commencing in 2017. Before the invasion of Ukraine, Russia possessed approximately 200 of these units, but current losses of identified units in photos or videos exceed this number.
It is important to note that these are not completely new machines; their production involves the thorough modernisation of older models like the T-80BW or older ones, along with clearing strategic scrap yards of post-Soviet shells in increasingly poor condition from Putin's era.
The T-80BWM is a modernised version of the T-80BW, which itself is an evolution of the T-64 tanks. The modernisation involves an extensive overhaul and the adaptation of the ammunition storage for longer APFSDS projectiles. Additionally, these tanks are equipped with an electric turret rotation mechanism and dual-layer Relikt reactive armour, which offers protection against advanced projectiles with a tandem warhead. Experience from the war has also led to additional coverage with Kontakt-1 reactive armour blocks and a cage above the turret.
The most significant aspect of the modernisation is the advanced Sosna-U fire control system, which utilises third-generation thermal imaging cameras. Initially, these were Catherine-FC cameras produced by the French company Thales, but they have now been replaced with alternative models.
Interestingly, it is worth noting that T-80 tanks are better armoured than the T-72B models, which serve as the basis for T-90M tanks. However, they share a critical flaw with them, which is the uninsulated ammunition storage in the hull. Consequently, any breach of the armour, including near the turret ring, has a high likelihood of causing a powerful explosion, resulting in the turret being torn off and the death of the entire three-person crew.
