**Russia Revives Outdated T-62 Tanks Amid Equipment Shortages, Ukrainian Intel Says**
In a move that highlights the severity of equipment losses and shortages in its war against Ukraine, Russia is reportedly returning outdated T-62 tanks to service. According to Ukraine’s military intelligence (HUR), Russia has been forced to revive these aging vehicles due to a lack of modern military equipment and industrial capacity.
The restoration process is taking place at a facility in the village of Atamanovka in Russia’s far-eastern Zabaykalsky Krai, where 21 T-62 tanks have been transferred from the eastern military district. These Soviet-era tanks from the 1970s are reportedly being depleted from Russia’s stockpile, with many having been stored outdoors without maintenance for decades.
The deployment of these outdated tanks is seen as a temporary but necessary measure to address Russia’s severe shortage of modern main battle tanks such as the T-90M and T-72B3M. Some of the revived T-62s will be used at the front, while others may be employed as stationary firing points to reinforce defensive positions.
**A Desperate Measure?**
The decision to revive these outdated tanks reflects the scale of Russia’s equipment losses in its war against Ukraine. Since February 2022, Russia has reportedly lost over 10,970 tanks, according to Ukraine’s General Staff. This staggering number suggests that Russia is struggling to maintain its military capabilities, forcing it to resort to using older and less reliable vehicles.
“This is a desperate measure,” says a military expert who spoke on condition of anonymity. “Russia’s military industry is not capable of producing the number of modern tanks needed for this war. The T-62s are being used as a stopgap solution to fill the gap, but they will ultimately prove ineffective on the battlefield.”
**The Consequences**
The consequences of deploying outdated tanks can be severe, particularly in a conflict where precision and mobility are crucial. The T-62s, with their limited range and vulnerability to modern anti-tank systems, may become easy targets for Ukrainian forces.
“This is not just about the equipment itself,” notes the expert. “It’s also about the morale of Russian soldiers who are being asked to fight with outdated and unreliable vehicles. This will only serve to further erode Russia’s military effectiveness and weaken its ability to wage war.”
As Ukraine continues to push back against Russia’s aggression, it remains to be seen how effective this makeshift solution will be in the long term.
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