On April 19, 2024, Uralvagonzavod, Russia's premier manufacturer of main battle tanks and a key player in the nation's defense sector, showcased its increased production capabilities of T-80BVM Main Battle Tanks (MBTs) during a visit by Russian Defense Minister Sergei Shoigu. Amidst the ongoing conflict in Ukraine, the company has notably doubled its production of tanks since the war's onset.
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In this picture, you can see a production line featuring dozens of T-80BVM tanks at the Uralvagonzavod plant.  (Picture source Video Uralvagonzavod)

During the visit, a newly released video on Uralvagonzavod’s social network displayed an impressive lineup of T-80BVM tanks, highlighting the ramped-up production efforts. The T-80BVM, extensively used by Russian forces in Ukraine, has undergone significant upgrades in response to the demands of modern warfare. The enhancements include advanced armor and "cop cage" armor, specifically designed to improve defense against aerial threats, including drones and loitering munitions.

Minister Shoigu stressed the urgency of providing additional protective systems for tanks deployed on the battlefield in Ukraine, indicating a strategic shift towards reinforcing the survivability and effectiveness of armored units in conflict areas.

The T-80BVM is an upgraded version of the T-80BV, a Soviet-era main battle tank that has been modernized to enhance its combat performance in modern warfare, including operations in Ukraine. The upgrades include improved armor, the addition of reactive armor tiles, a more powerful engine, and advanced fire control systems that improve its accuracy and lethality. The T-80BVM is equipped with a 125mm smoothbore gun capable of firing a variety of munitions, including guided missiles, and is also outfitted with a new digital navigation system and improved thermal imaging for better target acquisition in various conditions.

In the context of the war in Ukraine, the T-80BVM has been used extensively by Russian forces. The tank's upgrades are particularly tailored to withstand the threats prevalent in modern combat such as anti-tank guided missiles and drones. The addition of "cop cage" armor on the T-80BVM is specifically designed to protect against attacks from above, making it more resilient against the increasingly common use of UAVs and loitering munitions in the Ukrainian theater. The deployment of these tanks reflects an ongoing trend of adapting older Soviet-era equipment to meet current battlefield requirements and challenges. The T-80BVM's role in the conflict highlights the strategic importance of armored units and the continuous evolution of armored warfare tactics in response to modern anti-tank weaponry and asymmetric warfare tactics.

The latest version of the T-80VBM has been upgraded with new armor and "Cope cage" protection. (Picture source Uralvagonzavod)

Since the beginning of the war in Ukraine, there has been a significant mobilization and escalation in Russian military production and capabilities. The Russian defense industry has substantially increased its production outputs, particularly in tanks and armored vehicles. As of 2024, Russia is delivering around 1,500 tanks per year along with approximately 3,000 armored fighting vehicles of various types.

Additionally, Russia has expanded its production lines at existing facilities and reactivated previously mothballed plants to meet the demands of the ongoing conflict. This includes a notable rise in missile production. For example, the production of Iskander 9M723 ballistic missiles increased significantly from 2023 to 2024.

Despite these increases, the quality and longevity of Russian military equipment remain concerns. A significant portion of the tanks and armored vehicles are refurbished units from existing war stocks, which suggests a potential future shortfall as these reserves are depleted.

The Russian military has also faced challenges with the sanctions impacting component supplies, particularly from Western sources, which have been critical for advanced weaponry. While some sanctions have been circumvented, notably through alternative sourcing from countries like China, the overall effectiveness of these sanctions in slowing down Russia's military capability enhancements is debated.

This escalated production reflects a broader strategy by Russia to maintain and potentially increase its military pressure and territorial ambitions in the region, with implications for the ongoing dynamics and stability in Eastern Europe.

Russian T-80BVM tanks on railway carriages ready to be delivered to Russian army. (Picture source video Uralvagonzavod)

Defense News April 2024