Russia sending outdated T-62 tanks to Ukraine front as modern armor runs low - Ukrainian intelligence

Ukrainian intelligence says that due to heavy losses in its war against Ukraine, Russia is now massively reactivating old combat vehicles.

With Soviet-era reserves from the 1970s running low, the Russian military has begun bringing even older models back into service, including T-62 tanks.

"These tanks are mostly being refurbished at the 103rd Armored Repair Plant located in the town of Atamanovka in Zabaykalsky Krai. Deliveries of T-62 tanks to the combat zone are mainly carried out from warehouses in the Eastern Military District," the statement said.

On June 27, Ukrainian intelligence observed the transfer of 21 T-62 tanks from the Eastern Military District to the European part of Russia.

According to Ukraine's Defense Intelligence Directorate, most of the vehicles are in poor condition. The tanks have been stored outdoors for decades without maintenance. However, due to a critical shortage of modern main battle tanks, such as the T-90M and T-72B3M, the use of T-62s is seen as a temporary but necessary step.

"In practice, the T-62s are being used not only as combat vehicles, but also as stationary firing points to reinforce defensive positions," Ukrainian intelligence added.

Russian losses in the war in Ukraine

According to the General Staff of the Armed Forces of Ukraine, Russia has lost 10,970 tanks of various types since the start of its full-scale invasion. Ukrainian forces have also destroyed thousands of other pieces of enemy heavy equipment.

As early as 2022, reports emerged that Russia was pulling 60-year-old T-62 tanks out of storage for use in combat. Some of the vehicles were reportedly upgraded with modern equipment.

In March 2023, British intelligence reported that Russia's Tank Guards Army received T-62s instead of the newer Armata tanks.