T-80BVM flatters to deceive as an Arctic tank
The Russian MoD plans to procure T-80BVM MBTs in 2021. (Photo: Russian MoD)
Claims ring hollow that the upgraded T-80BVM would function in Arctic conditions.
A batch of upgraded T-80BVM MBTs has been delivered to the 64th Motor Rifle Brigade of the Russian Ground Forces, the press service of the Eastern Military District announced on 7 April.
Defence officials promote the modernised T-80BVM as being geared towards Arctic operations and manufacturer Uralvagonzavod (UVZ) claims the main benefit of the tank is its gas turbine engine’s ability to start quickly in below-zero temperatures.
However, the case for deploying T-80BVMs to the Arctic is actually rather unimpressive.
While gas turbine engines indeed have some advantages over diesel or petrol power plants, the importance of this factor is
Already have an account? Log in
Want to keep reading this article?
Read this Article
Get access to this article with a Free Basic Account
- Original curated content, daily across air, land and naval domains
- 2 free stories per week
- Daily news round-up email service
- Access to all Decisive Edge email newsletters
Unlimited Access
Access to all our premium news as a Premium News 365 Member. Corporate subscriptions available.
- Original curated content, daily across air, land and naval domains
- 14-day free trial (cancel at any time)
- Unlimited access to all published premium news
More from Land Warfare
-
![UK fires Archer for first time in live-fire exercise]()
UK fires Archer for first time in live-fire exercise
Exercise Dynamic Front 25 is part of a series of NATO exercises that will run until 26 November.
-
![CV90 delivery to Slovakia imminent]()
CV90 delivery to Slovakia imminent
Slovakia is undergoing a radical refresh of its equipment, like many central and eastern European countries, and the arrival of new vehicles will form a substantial part of this.
-
![Mortar mobility: Patria’s TREMOS takes aim at the modern battlespace]()
Mortar mobility: Patria’s TREMOS takes aim at the modern battlespace
In conversation... Patria’s Lauri Pauniaho talks to Shephard's Gerrard Cowan about how high mobility levels are essential for mortar systems in the face of modern counter-battery fire, and how a new platform-agnostic module can combine existing vehicles and mortar barrels into a cost-effective new weapon system.
