Ukraine should use old T-64 tanks to clear paths through minefields, instead of mobilizing modern weapons like Leopard and Abrams, according to Western experts.
"Ukraine should not risk using its most modern tanks to break through minefields. The outdated Soviet-era T-64s are suitable for this task because they can be easily discarded, while Leopard and Abrams tanks will be more effective when they can overcome minefields," Dan Rice, a retired US Army officer who served as an advisor to the Ukrainian army, said on August 22.
During the initial phase of the major counter-offensive launched in early June, Ukrainian commanders deployed numerous modern Leopard 2A4 and 2A6 tanks, along with M2A2 Bradley infantry fighting vehicles, to probe and find weak points in the Russian defense line.
"The Leopard tanks were quickly stopped and trapped in dense minefields in the multi-layered Russian defense line. This was a bitter lesson for the Ukrainian army," Marina Miron, a war researcher at Imperial College London, commented.
Ukrainian T-64BV tanks deployed near the city of Bakhmut in March. Photo: AFP
Ukraine inherited thousands of T-64s after the collapse of the Soviet Union. Data released by the International Institute for Strategic Studies (IISS) shows that the Ukrainian army still possesses about 250 T-64BV main battle tanks, along with about 50 T-64BM Bulats that will be fully modernized by early 2023.
The T-64 tank was developed by the Soviet Union in the 1960s with many breakthrough technologies at that time such as complex armor (composite), 125mm smoothbore gun with automatic loading system, allowing the crew to be reduced to only three people. When it was first launched, the T-64 was considered the most modern tank in the world , equipped only for the main tank divisions of the Soviet Union.
Ukraine has carried out many upgrades to maintain the combat strength of the T-64 force, in which the T-64BM version is assessed to have features not inferior to the modern Russian T-72B3 model. However, the number of vehicles upgraded to Bulat standard is too small and does not create a breakthrough on the battlefield.
Western aid packages have added more than 100 Leopard 1, Leopard 2 and Challenger 2 tanks to Ukraine's armored brigades, which are considered Kiev's "iron fists" and are expected to help them penetrate Moscow's defenses.
However, dense minefields and infantry forces equipped with guided missiles, along with overwhelming superiority in artillery and air power of Russia, caused heavy losses to Ukrainian armored brigades.
According to a report compiled by Oryx, a Netherlands-based intelligence analysis site based on public sources, Ukraine has lost at least six Leopard 2A4 tanks and nine newer Leopard 2A6s. Western experts warn that the actual number could be much higher.
Leopard 2A6 tanks and Bradley armored vehicles left behind after fighting near Mala Tokmachka on June 8. Photo: Twitter/AndreiBtvt
"The Leopards are at their best when firing at Russian targets while maneuvering at high speed. I would keep them in reserve until I could break through a minefield or surround an enemy unit," Rice said.
Miron said that deploying Western tanks on the Zaporizhzhia front was a risky decision. This area is densely packed with minefields and fortifications, while the vast and flat terrain also helps Russian soldiers easily detect targets from afar and prepare countermeasures.
Time may not be on Ukraine's side. "The chances of using Western tanks in Zaporizhzhia are getting smaller, with autumn and rains approaching. The muddy terrain could get the Leopard and Challenger 2 tanks stuck. The wisest option now would be to limit wasting expensive equipment," said Miron.
Vu Anh (According to Newsweek )
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