Russia Sends T-62 Tanks to Ukraine - updated

Updated video on Russia sending T-62 tanks to Ukraine. Updated with more information.Show more

I thought I would do an updated video on T-62s in Ukraine as my original video was a bit short and didn’t go into the detail I wanted.

So, we saw these videos of T-62 tanks been taken out of storage around Rostov and Crimea, and we recently have had confirmation via photos that they arrived in Melitopol and a Telegram source reported T-62s with additional armor in Pologi district.
These are old tanks, entering service in 1961 and serving in a variety of wars and conflicts. So, why is Russia bringing out relics? Well, they have lost a lot of tanks. As of May 25, Ukraine claims 1,205 tanks destroyed, captured or abandoned. Oryx has visually confirmed 700. Mainly T-72s. I expect the true number to be somewhere in between.

Russia has a lot of tanks in storage---over 10,000 according to the IISS. That number doesn’t take into account their condition. It is likely many of these are of the worst for wear. These photos here are of the 227th military storage base, showing them exposed to the elements—though many here may be scrapped and intended for disposal.

So, with so many tanks in storage—why the T-62? It is likely these are going to be supplied to the separatist forces to use, saving the T-72s in storage as replacements for the main Russian army. They could also likely serve as patrol in captured territories---as a sort of deterant against protests, rebellion or sabotage from Ukrainians as local militias or rebellion will likely lack heavy anti-tank weapons. And also be placed at checkpoints. This will free up T-72s from those sort of rear-guard duties to go to the front.
I’ve also seen it suggested that T-62s could be activated because of the effect of sanctions. It’s been said that repair of T-72s is difficult because certain components can’t be imported any more. So an older, T-62, could perhaps be activated without the need for difficult to obtain parts.
As mentioned, the T-62 is old and outdated. It has many limitations—for example, it’s turret rotation takes 20 seconds to rotate 360 degrees. The Abrams for comparison – 9 seconds. It also needs to be manually loaded, thus requiring a 4 man crew. It is also very cramped and uncomfortable—the T-62 was known to have vibration issues, causing high crew fatigue.
Despite it’s age—if used wisely, it could still serve a role. An old tank is still dangerous, with powerful weapons and armor. Kept away from the frontlines and manning checkpoints, it will be fine and will free up the more important t-72s for front line duties. This will give Russia the numbers needed to support its advances while allowing them to secure areas to the rear without tying down more important assets.