Russia-Ukraine Flash Report 28 FEB 2023 15:20 PST - Russia's Armor Attrition
Added 2023-02-28 23:18:57 +0000 UTCThe Economist reported that the Russian defense company UralVagonZavod is capable of producing only 20 new tanks a month due to shortages of critical parts and labor. UralVagonZavod is refurbishing an additional 8 to 10 tanks monthly, with another defense contractor refurbishing 15 to 20. Eliminating the number of tanks Russia has visually confirmed to have captured since February 24, 2022, Russia is losing 102 tanks a month, and that number is accelerating due to the ongoing large-scale offensive. On a good month, they can replace 40% of their current losses, which is equal to losing five tank companies a month.
The Ministry of Defense needs 200 new tanks a month not just for the War in Ukraine but its export industry to honor existing contracts. When it comes to refurbishing tanks that were in storage, a video released by Russian state media
showed T-80 tanks being readied for deployment getting gunsights for the T-62M and Cold War-era thermal sites. This is highlighting the parts shortages and the impact sanctions have.
Armored losses are unsustainable.
