Ukraine's T-64 Tank Reserves Poised to Sustain Years of Combat Matching Russia's Arsenal.

Over two years into the escalated conflict with Russia, the Ukrainian military has persistently strengthened its forces with T-64 tanks, showcasing a notable resilience in maintaining its military hardware despite substantial losses. In October last year, Ukraine formed the 150th Mechanized Brigade, a standard yet crucial addition to its approximately 100 ground force brigades.
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The modernized versions, such as the T-64BV, feature improved armor, advanced fire control systems, and better night fighting equipment (Picture source: Ukrainian Army)

This new brigade is notably equipped with updated T-64BV Obr. 2017 tanks, highlighting Ukraine's efforts to refurbish its stock of Cold War-era tanks. Originally produced between 1963 and 1987 by the Malyshev Factory in Kharkiv, these tanks were a significant part of the arsenal left by the Soviet army, which, upon withdrawing from Ukraine in 1991, left behind up to 3,000 T-64s.

The T-64 is a main battle tank originally developed and produced by the Soviet Union. It was designed as a more advanced counterpart to the T-62, featuring significant innovations in tank design such as composite armor, a compact engine, and an autoloader for its 125mm main gun, which reduced the crew needed to three. After the dissolution of the Soviet Union, Ukraine inherited a large number of these tanks.

Currently, Ukraine possesses a substantial fleet of T-64 tanks, which have been modernized over the years to enhance their capabilities. As of the latest updates, the exact number in active service is difficult to confirm due to ongoing military engagements and losses in conflicts, including the ongoing war with Russia starting in 2014. The modernized versions, such as the T-64BV, feature improved armor, advanced fire control systems, and better night fighting equipment. The T-64 has proven to be adaptable and remains a core component of Ukraine's armored forces, playing a significant role in their ground combat strategy. These tanks have been extensively used in the Donbas region, demonstrating their resilience and effectiveness in various combat scenarios.

Despite suffering damage in the early weeks of the expanded conflict in 2022, the Ukrainian industry adapted by dispersing its industrial equipment and setting up new workshops in less vulnerable cities. Additionally, agreements were made for the repair and modernization of the T-64s in Poland and the Czech Republic, thereby enhancing Ukraine's capacity to sustain its tank fleet despite combat losses estimated at around 300 T-64s.

It is noteworthy that so far, no T-64 has been sent to the Czech Republic for renovation, as the facilities in Ukraine and Poland appear sufficient to meet the current demand. This suggests that Ukraine has surplus infrastructure for the renovation of T-64s. However, each "new" T-64, being based on an old hull upgraded with modern optics and fire controls, indicates that this resource is potentially finite.

On average, Ukraine has lost about a hundred T-64s per year for nearly three years. If half of the T-64s left by the Soviets in the 1990s were recoverable, it would be feasible to repair and upgrade several more hundred tanks, thus providing Ukraine with sufficient capability for several more years of intense combat.

Similarly, Russia, which also largely relies on regenerating older tanks to replenish front-line losses, appears to have adequate resources to continue combat for several more years. Additionally, Ukraine has received nearly 700 tanks from its allies and is expected to receive about 300 more in the coming months. In the longer term, Ukraine is in discussions with a German company to establish local production of a German tank model.

For the time being, these hundreds of T-64s, remnants of the Cold War, will continue to deliver substantial firepower for Ukrainian brigades. Instead of engaging directly in tank-on-tank battles, these tanks are now used to deliver long-range barrages from concealed positions. This tactic involves using coordinates provided by drones to target and shell enemy positions from a distance, enhancing their effectiveness while minimizing the risk to the crews.

Similarly, Russia has also utilized its older tank models, such as the T-55, as indirect fire support rather than in direct combat roles. These tanks have been seen providing supporting fire from closed firing positions, which mimic the actions of traditional self-propelled artillery. This method of engagement reflects a strategic adaptation to the high attrition rates of more conventional artillery units and the overall depletion of military assets.

The use of these older tanks in artillery-like roles by both nations underscores a significant shift in modern armored warfare, where the versatility and adaptability of equipment are crucial to sustaining prolonged military engagements. This strategy also points to the broader implications of equipment shortages and the necessity to maximize the utility of available resources in prolonged conflicts.