Russia Can Build 100 Tanks a Month, Retains Capacity to Replace Losses
Defense News ,Russia :- A recent intelligence report from the UK Ministry of Defence reveals that Russia maintains the capability to replace battlefield losses in Ukraine by producing a staggering 100 main battle tanks (MBTs) per month. Despite a noticeable increase in tank losses since October 2023, when Russia shifted back to an offensive stance in eastern Ukraine, Moscow's industrial capacity ensures it can sustain a high level of offensive activity against Ukraine in the foreseeable future.
According to the report, Russian Ground Forces have lost 365 MBTs and 700 armored combat vehicles since October 2023, resulting in only minor territorial gains. The UK MoD did not provide details on how Russia managed to boost production amid international sanctions.
A previous intelligence report indicated that Russia had lost 2,475 MBTs from February 2022 to mid-November 2023, constituting around 15 percent of its pre-war inventory. However, the latest figures released by the UK MoD on January 25, 2024, show a modest increase in Moscow's MBT losses to 2,600. This translates to a current attrition rate of 12 tanks per week, with Ukraine neutralizing only 125 Russian MBTs over the past 10 weeks.
Highlighting Russia's ability to rapidly replenish battlefield losses, the defense ministry announced the induction of 1,500 tanks in 2023. The country boasts a tank sufficiency level exceeding 84 percent. Notably, the ministry did not specify the types of newly-inducted tanks or whether they are new models, leaving questions about the composition of Russia's formidable tank arsenal.
Latest Defence Intelligence update on the situation in Ukraine – 29 January 2024.
— Ministry of Defence 🇬🇧 (@DefenceHQ) January 29, 2024
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