Russia boosts T-80BVM tanks and TOS-1A rocket launchers production amid Ukraine conflict.

On June 17, 2023, during a visit of the Russian Minister of Defense, General of the Army Sergei Shoigu, Uralvagonzavod, a leading Russian defense manufacturer, announced a significant boost in the production of T-80BVM tanks and TOS-1A thermobaric rocket launchers despite prevailing economic sanctions against Russia. The sanctions follow Russia's ongoing military operations in Ukraine.
Follow Army Recognition on Google News at this link

General of the Army Sergei Shoigu, Russian Minister of Defense, visited the Uralvagonzavod factory where the T-80BVM tanks and TOS-1A rocket launchers are produced. (Picture source Russian MoD)

The announcement was made during the visit of the Russian Minister of Defense, General of the Army Sergei Shoigu, to the company's production facilities on June 17, 2023. Leaders of Uralvagonzavod showcased the latest models of armored vehicles and automatic assembly lines for caterpillar tracks, detailing the recent improvements in their manufacturing process that have enabled increased output volumes.

According to the head of Uralvagonzavod, efficient engineering solutions have significantly increased production volumes across the entire range over the past few months. The use of advanced manufacturing techniques has resulted in improved product quality and reduced production times.

During his visit, General Shoigu observed the production lines of the T-80BVM tanks and TOS-1A rocket launchers, demonstrating the Russian defense industry's determination to continue producing combat vehicles amid the war in Ukraine.

Following the visit, Minister Shoigu issued directives to the leaders of Uralvagonzavod, urging the continued expansion of production capacities to meet the demands of the Russian troops engaged in Ukraine.

The persistent defiance of economic sanctions by Russia underscores the nation's resolve to sustain its military operations in Ukraine, signaling a potential escalation in the ongoing conflict. These developments put further pressure on international diplomatic efforts to de-escalate tensions and restore peace in the region.

The T-80BVM is the latest generation of Main Battle Tanks in the T-80 family. (Picture source Vitaly Kuzmin)

The T-80BVM is a modernized version of the T-80BV main battle tank, which was first produced by the Soviet Union. The upgrades were developed and introduced by the Russian military industry to improve the tank's combat effectiveness on the 21st-century battlefield.

One of the notable features of the T-80BVM is its upgraded armor, which includes both reactive and passive protection to increase its resilience against anti-tank weapons. The tank is also equipped with the Relikt explosive reactive armor which provides improved protection against modern anti-tank guided missiles and rocket-propelled grenades.

The tank is powered by a gas turbine engine, providing a high power-to-weight ratio and making the T-80BVM one of the fastest main battle tanks in the world. The T-80BVM also incorporates a sophisticated fire control system that improves its targeting accuracy and allows the tank to engage targets effectively both during the day and at night.

Furthermore, the T-80BVM is equipped with an improved 125mm 2A46M-4 smoothbore gun, which can fire a variety of rounds including APFSDS, HEAT, and HE-FRAG, as well as guided missiles.

In terms of mobility, the T-80BVM has reinforced running gear and an enhanced torsion bar to improve the tank's overall off-road performance. It also features an automatic track tension system, reducing the need for manual adjustments and improving the overall operational readiness of the tank.

The TOS-1A is considered one of the deadliest weapon systems in the world, using thermobaric ammunition. (Picture source Vitaly Kuzmin)

The TOS-1A is a unique Russian multiple rocket launcher and thermobaric weapon system designed for direct fire support of advancing infantry and armored units. It's known for its devastating firepower, particularly against fortified enemy positions such as bunkers and entrenchments.

Originally developed by the Soviet Union and later modernized by Russia, the TOS-1A is mounted on a T-72 tank chassis, giving it good mobility and protection. It's designed to deliver a large volume of fire in a short period of time, making it highly effective in the tactical depth of defensive positions.

The TOS-1A uses 220mm rockets with thermobaric warheads. A thermobaric weapon, also known as a fuel-air bomb, uses oxygen from the surrounding air to generate a high-temperature explosion. The resulting shockwave and high temperature can cause significant destruction, particularly in confined spaces.

The weapon system is equipped with 24 rocket tubes and has a range of approximately 6 kilometers. The launcher is fitted with a fire control system with a ballistic computer, thermal imaging sight, and laser rangefinder, which allows the system to fire accurately at both visible and hidden targets.