(RepublicanPeak.com)- Russia has already dusted off its somewhat less ancient tanks and may soon roll out its even older ones to deploy in Ukraine.
News outlets have recently shared images of trains carrying T-54 tanks, which started service in the 1940s while Joseph Stalin was still in power in the Soviet empire, and T-55 tanks, which entered service in the late 1950s.
The footage originates from the Russian Far East, specifically around the Tanks and Repair Storage Base in Arsenyev. This suggests that the aging armor has been refurbished for deployment to Ukraine, much like the recently refurbished T-62s.
The possible deployment of T-54 and T-55 series tanks has been the subject of much ridicule from Russia’s critics due to their inadequate protection, power, and size compared to the Western-made battle tanks now being transferred to Ukraine.
There is consensus, however, that Russia is more likely to use the old-fashioned tanks as improvised mobile artillery, as seems to have been the case with T-62s, than in tank-on-tank combat. Given that this war has proven to be shell-hungry, it might be argued that reactivating them would be a rather practical approach to access caches of old ammunition that would otherwise go to waste.
And the antiquated weaponry is still a tank with a massive gun, and it still has to be fought. The shell from such a weapon can penetrate thick walls.
The T-54/55 is still a lethal force for infantries. Its power still can take out most armored vehicles, and its front turret armor is nearly impenetrable.
Current Russian tank forces in Ukraine have mainly consisted of tanks that entered service in the 1970s.
The next-generation T-14 Armata has been beset by delays and order cancellations throughout the years, leading to an unknown but presumably limited number of units being constructed and now being out of service.
Social media posts purport to show T-14s in action at reserve training facilities in Russia proper, but there is no evidence to suggest they have been or will be used in an actual military operation.
British intelligence reported in January that T-14 production was likely in the low tens, and commanders were unlikely to trust the vehicle in the battle.
