Ground tank wars12/3/2023 In January 2023, it was announced that German and American tanks were being sent to Ukraine to assist in its ongoing resistance against the Russian invasion. Other countries, including France, Poland, and Canada, may also provide tanks to Ukraine, but the exact number and timeline are unknown. However, the current tanks being offered, such as the thirty-one US Abrams, fourteen UK Challengers, and fourteen German Leopards, are not sufficient to turn the tide of the war. Russia initially intended to purchase 2,300 T-14s, but this has since been reduced to just 132.Īdapting to the increased capability of Western tanks in Ukraine will be challenging for Russia. Although several hundred advanced tanks would be advantageous in Ukraine, they would leave Russia exposed along its Western flank bordering NATO countries. It has even fewer of its most advanced tank, the T-14 Armata, which is comparable to the best tanks used by NATO militaries. Russia only has approximately 600 T-90 tanks and only about 400 of those are operational. However, both choices have their drawbacks. It can deploy more advanced tanks, leaving itself vulnerable to other contingencies, or use older models, hoping to have enough of them to make a difference on the battlefield. The loss of at least 1,600 tanks in Ukraine has created a dilemma for the Russian military. The T-72 and most other Russian tanks also suffer from a flaw in ammunition storage design, where a hit almost anywhere in the turret causes the ammunition to explode, killing the crew and often propelling the turret many meters into the air. As a result, the Kremlin is replacing it with less capable Russian-made sights that have a reduced range from four to two miles. The most advanced tank sight, which was obtained from a French supplier through questionable means around a decade ago, is becoming increasingly difficult to acquire. The upgrade of Russia's T-72 fleet for the conflict in Ukraine is being complicated by Western sanctions. The Challenger 2, Leopard 2, and M1 Abrams are quicker than most Russian-made tanks, capable of speeds of more than 25mph (40km per hour) on rough terrain. Tanks serve as the spear's tip, designed to move rapidly over open ground. The US is also providing Ukraine with over 100 Bradley and Stryker armoured vehicles, and Germany is offering 40 of its Marder infantry fighting vehicles as well as tanks. The UK's support package to Ukraine includes 14 Challenger tanks, 30 self-propelled guns, and armoured vehicles to carry and protect troops. Additionally, the military requires support for "combined arms manoeuvre," which includes artillery self-propelled guns, armoured vehicles to carry and protect troops, and mine breaching and bridge-laying vehicles. If Ukraine had access to more tanks, it could attempt to conduct simultaneous offensives in different locations, similar to its actions last year in the north and south. Therefore, over 100 Western battle tanks could make a significant difference. For a significant offensive operation, an armoured brigade would normally require at least 70 tanks. Instead, the country will need to concentrate its forces within a smaller area, possibly between five and 20km (between three and 12 miles), in order to penetrate Russian defences.Īccording to Hamish de Bretton-Gordon, a former colonel in the British Army's Royal Tank Regiment, the number of tanks is critical for a breakthrough. Ukraine has expressed its desire for weaponry not only to impede any potential Russian spring offensive but also to retake its territory and launch an attack.ĭistributing its additional tanks across a front line of more than 1,000km (621 miles) would be an impractical move for Ukraine. In 1940, the British and French armies utilised them during their retreat at Arras to impede the Nazi invasion, ultimately facilitating the evacuation of British troops from Dunkirk. Tanks can also be utilised for defensive purposes. While initially successful, many tanks soon broke down, and a German counter-attack turned British gains into losses. For instance, the British first deployed numerous tanks during the Battle of Cambrai in November 1917 to break the deadlock of static trench warfare. Records have demonstrated that tanks by themselves do not guarantee victory.
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