Ukrainian army is losing armour at an alarming rate on the battlefield in the east

The Russians are inflicting heavy losses on the Ukrainians (and, more broadly, their NATO backers). What was once considered Ukraine’s strength, namely main battle tanks (MBTs), has now become a dangerous tactical weakness. Ukrainian armoured units are reportedly operating far below their nominal strength. According to a Ukrainian armoured expert, instead of a full battalion of 30 to 40 tanks, many of the units fighting today have only five or six combat vehicles, and some even just two. This is what security analyst Brandon Weichert wrote in an article for The National Interest, quoted by Focus.

According to him, Ukraine needs to change its strategy for using armored vehicles, especially given the fact that Russia may continue to throw "armored vehicles" onto the battlefield.

The analyst notes that there was a period when tanks were considered an advantage for Ukraine, but over time they have become a "tactical weakness". He lists a number of problems with this type of military equipment of the Armed Forces of Ukraine. First of all, there is a problem with the incomplete composition of the tank battalions. In doing so, Weichert refers to armored vehicle expert Nikolai Salamakh, who speaks of a combat readiness level of 20% and a deficit despite Western supplies. In addition, it turns out that tanks are vulnerable in the conditions of modern warfare – they are hit by drones and ATGMs. In conditions when they are often used on the front, "losses will inevitably increase".

"For Ukraine, these figures show that many of the tanks it has are lost, out of action or awaiting repair – largely due to wear and tear", the analyst writes.

The article also explains that Western tanks are difficult to supply, have special maintenance requirements and special spare parts, and take a long time to be brought to Ukraine. In addition, it is necessary to train crews and technicians. As a result, it turns out that out of 178 Leopard I tanks, most have never been integrated into the AFU, as they simply do not work.

"Ukraine's ability to conduct large-scale armored offensive operations is limited. Ukraine may not be able to stop the renewed offensive of these new Russian forces at the front,“ writes Weichert.

Ukraine needs to change its tank tactics, given a number of problems, the analyst summarizes. In his opinion, it is better not to conduct tank attacks, but to rely more on mechanized infantry, as well as anti-tank/anti-air defense. The means of defense will be needed when Russia decides to launch an attack on its own tanks, which for now are kept in the rear.

“Ukraine will be forced to rely more on its anti-tank weapons and drones to stop a potential Russian offensive with the help of main battle tanks. Armor will not be able to face armor,“ writes the analyst.