Russia Running Out of Tanks? Analysis Reveals Worrying Numbers | Večernji List (HR) | Analysis

Russia's vast tank reserves, long considered an inexhaustible strategic asset, may be significantly depleted, according to an analysis of satellite imagery. The study, conducted by OSINT analyst Jompy and reported by Defence Blog, suggests that the number of usable tanks available to Moscow is far lower than official narratives imply.

The analysis examined nine Russian storage bases, identifying a total of 2,088 tanks. However, after excluding models like the T-64, deemed largely unusable due to logistical and parts issues, and accounting for vehicles in transit to the front lines, the number drops to 1,598. Crucially, a large portion of these remaining tanks are in poor condition, suffering from extended outdoor storage, physical damage, and disassembly for spare parts.

Models such as the T-62 and T-72 have reportedly remained in storage for years, even as other vehicles were deployed to the battlefield. This suggests limited usability, particularly for T-72B and T-80 variants, which possess superior capabilities. Their continued presence in storage while other tanks are utilized indicates they may have already been stripped for essential components.

After all adjustments, the analyst estimates that Russia has approximately 851 tanks that can be considered operationally viable. The majority of these are older models, including T-62s, around a hundred T-54/55s, and approximately 150 T-72As. The report also notes that while Russia can produce new tanks, the rate of T-80 production at the Omsktransmash factory suggests that remaining stocks for modernization could be exhausted within a year. This would force Moscow to shift to producing entirely new tanks, a considerably more expensive and time-consuming process. Project Oryx has documented over 4,350 Russian tank losses since the invasion of Ukraine began.