Rare Russian T-80UE-1 Main Battle Tank now in the hands of Ukrainian Army.

On 12 July 2023, the Ukrainian Armed Forces (UAF) have been observed deploying a column of Soviet-era tanks in a video released on the Happy Chip youtube account, including the T-80U and the very rare T-80UE-1, which had previously been seen abandoned by Russian forces in a tweet by Ukraine Weapons tracker on March 27, 2022. Apparently, the Ukrainians not only retrieved the tank but are now utilizing it within their ranks.
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T-80UE-1 Main Battle Tank (Picture source: Video footage from Happy Chip youtube account )

According to statements from the UAF, a total of four abandoned T-80UE-1 tanks were captured in the city of Sumy. At least one of these tanks is currently in active service with the forces of the Kyiv regime and is assigned to the 93rd Separate Mechanized Brigade of the Ukrainian Armed Forces.

The T-80UE-1 was developed in Russia as a solution to modernize existing tanks while optimizing military resources. It is the result of the modernization program for the T-80BV and T-80UD tanks, aimed at keeping them operational and bringing them up to current technological standards.

The T-80UE-1 is a Russian tank created by integrating the improved chassis of the T-80BV variant with the turret of the T-80UD version, incorporating some additional technological modifications.

The upgrades include the installation of an infrared sight, "Plisa," which strikingly resembles the ESSA sight used in the T-90A tank. Additionally, the original 2A46M-1 gun has been replaced with a more advanced model, the 2A46M-4. The loading mechanism, designated 6EK43-2C, has also been improved to accommodate modern ammunition, including high-penetration tungsten alloy projectiles and new programmable fuses from the "Aynet" system for explosive shells.

Due to the similarity of its chassis with the T-80BV, the T-80UE-1 is relatively easy to maintain and repair, making it an attractive choice for some armies looking to modernize their tank fleet without investing in entirely new vehicles. The decision to change the tank's chassis was motivated by issues with the diesel power units of the T-80UD, as the original engines were manufactured in Ukraine.

The appearance of the T-80UE-1 in the Ukrainian Army ranks demonstrates the ability of Ukrainians to reuse captured equipment from Russian forces. Unlike Western equipment, there is less doubt about Ukraine's capacity to maintain Soviet-origin equipment.

T-80UE-1 Russian Main Battle Tank ( picture source: Vitaly V.Kuzmin )