Breaking News: Russia to start reverse engineering on US-supplied M1A1 Abrams tank captured in Ukraine.

As reported by Military Observer on December 26, 2024, reports from Russia suggest that an American M1A1 Abrams tank, captured during the conflict in Ukraine, has been transported to Nizhny Tagil. This location is home to Uralvagonzavod, the main facility for producing armored vehicles for the Russian military. The Abrams joins a German Leopard 2A6 tank, captured earlier in the conflict and previously delivered to the same facility. Both tanks are undergoing technical examination by Russian engineers.
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A primary focus will be the M1A1 Abrams' composite armor, and Russian engineers will likely examine the materials and assembly methods to understand its resistance to projectiles and explosions. (Picture source: Telegram/Military Observer)

As of December 2024, Ukraine has received 31 M1A1 Abrams tanks from the United States. Reports indicate that approximately 17 of these tanks have been destroyed or damaged badly enough to be abandoned during combat operations, representing about two-thirds of the total provided. The first Abrams captured by Russian forces, near Berdychi in April 2024, sustained significant internal damage, reportedly due to a Lancet drone strike followed by an anti-tank guided missile launched by the Russian 15th Separate Guards Motorized Rifle Brigade. Despite its condition, the tank was deemed interesting enough to allow its study to gather information about its fire control system, thermal imaging capabilities, and armor construction.

Before delivery to Ukraine, the M1A1 Abrams tanks were modified by the United States to meet security and operational requirements. These modifications included the removal of advanced armor packages containing depleted uranium, aligning with protocols to prevent sensitive technology from being accessed by unintended parties. Additionally, certain electronics and communication systems were downgraded or excluded to simplify operation and maintenance for Ukrainian forces. These adjustments were made to ensure the tanks' usability and compliance with U.S. protocols for limiting the technology transfer in the case of a capture by Russia.

Uralvagonzavod, established in 1936 and located in the Ural Mountains, is one of the largest tank manufacturing plants in the world. The facility has produced models such as the T-34, T-72, T-90, and T-14 Armata. In addition to tanks, it produces railway cars and heavy machinery. The secure location of Uralvagonzavod provides protection against external interference, enabling analysis of captured military equipment. Captured vehicles, such as the Leopard 2A6, are sent there for study, including evaluations of their technologies and assessments of their combat capabilities. Russian engineers focus on determining whether certain design features of these tanks can be incorporated into domestic designs or highlight potential vulnerabilities.

Even a severely damaged and burned M1A1 Abrams tank holds significant value for analysis by Russian engineers, as its structure and materials can offer crucial insights into its manufacturing processes and armor composition. (Picture source: Russian social media)

Russian engineers at Uralvagonzavod in Nizhny Tagil will now study a captured M1A1 Abrams tank to analyze its technological components. A primary focus will be its composite armor, known for its layered structure designed to provide effective protection. Engineers will examine the materials and assembly methods to understand its resistance to projectiles and explosions. The Abrams’ fire control system, which enables precise targeting and shooting while in motion, will also be analyzed to determine its operational mechanisms and potential applicability to Russian systems.

The evaluation of the M1A1 Abrams could include an assessment of its combat performance, particularly its operational capabilities in various environments, using, for example, T-80BVM tracks. Therefore, engineers will study its maneuverability, handling in combat scenarios, and overall battlefield efficiency. Historical data from conflicts, such as its use in the Gulf War, will provide context for examining the tank's protective systems and firepower. This analysis will allow for a comparison with Russian tank models to identify specific strengths and areas requiring improvement.

Russian engineers will also consider whether features of the Abrams could be integrated into future domestic designs. The manual ammunition loader, used instead of an autoloader, will be examined as a potential alternative approach. The tank's internal layout and ergonomics, designed to optimize crew operations, will be reviewed for possible application to improve efficiency in Russian tank designs. These studies aim to evaluate the Abrams’ design features in a practical context and assess their relevance for advancing domestic armored vehicle capabilities.

Before delivery to Ukraine, the M1A1 Abrams tanks were modified: advanced armor packages containing depleted uranium were removed, while certain electronics and communication systems were downgraded or excluded to simplify operation and maintenance for Ukrainian forces. (Picture source: Ukrainian MoD)

The German Leopard 2A6, which had been captured earlier, is also being analyzed at Uralvagonzavod. It features multilayer spaced armor, a Rheinmetall 120mm L55 smoothbore gun, and advanced fire control systems. Russian engineers are studying its braking systems, turret design, and thermal imaging equipment. The Leopard 2A6 is powered by an MTU diesel engine, allowing for speeds of up to 72 km/h and a range of 500 kilometers. Findings from these studies are being evaluated for their applicability to Russian armored vehicle designs.

Both tanks are being studied to inform the development of Russian armored vehicles. Specific areas of interest include the Abrams’ composite armor and fire control system, as well as the Leopard’s turret layout and thermal imaging technologies. Reverse engineering efforts are focused on identifying strengths and vulnerabilities of the captured equipment, with the aim of adapting useful features into domestic designs or improving existing models, including the T-72B3M, the T-80BVM, the T-90M, as well as the T-14 Armata.

Both the Abrams and Leopard tanks were displayed at the "Dead Iron" exhibition, which opened on May 1, 2024, on Moscow's Poklonnaya Hill. The exhibition also included other captured or destroyed NATO and Ukrainian military equipment, such as Bradley M2A2 and CV9040 infantry fighting vehicles, and an older Leopard 2A4 tank. According to Russian sources, the exhibition highlighted equipment lost by Ukrainian forces during the conflict. The transportation of these tanks to Uralvagonzavod aligns with a broader trend in the conflict, where Russian forces have captured or destroyed advanced Western systems, including Patriot and IRIS-T air defense systems, the M142 HIMARS rocket launcher, and other tanks such as the Challenger 2.