Russian tanks has always been robuust. Take one up to date russian tank VS an up to date Westren tank, and you have a tank wich cost much less, easier to maintain, and get simular to better combat performance
Robust until the ammo cooks off. Having plenty of cheap, easy to maintain, robust Soviet armour really helped the Iraqis back in '91.
Thats very easily said.
The Iraqi's had 4500 tanks during the first gulf war. Of these, where the grand majority Type 59(Chinese copy of the T-54) and the Type 69 (Chinese copy of the T-55). These are 50 50 year old tanks. They are infact even cheaper ones then the russian counterparts. These tanks have to face 3150 Modern tanks (US M1 Abrams and M60. British Challenger I). Their is no doubt that they will lose
Of the 4500 tanks, the Iraqi's had 200 T-72M Asad babil or Lion of Babylon tanks. These tanks could destroy the above tanks. Not bad for a tank wich is 20 years older then the M1 right? What was the problem? They lacked night vision, and the devisions equipped with T-72M where often attacked at night. Still, the Frontal armor was able to withstand TOW, Javelin and even some 120MM HEAT rounds fired by an abrams. Not bad for a 20 year old tank ?
Plus their armamant was effecient enough. Many US officials deny it, but their is enough evidence that M1's where taken out by T-72M's. One fully confirmed kill is M1 Abrams Callsign B-23
Not bad for a 20 year old tank eh?
And recall what i said. An up to date modern russian tank has simular or better combat performance then many of their westren counterparts. And at a much cheaper and easier to maintain cost.
T-80BV at the Victory day parade in 2005. Real beauties