War machines are built on factories and resources. But even the most powerful nations can run into limits. In Russia, cracks are starting to show in its ability to keep its military supplied.
As the war in Ukraine grinds on, analysts are warning that Moscow is losing equipment faster than it can replace it.
For months now, reports have suggested that Russia’s production of tanks and artillery can’t keep up with the rate of destruction on the battlefield.
According to U.S. officials and analysts, the country’s factories are at maximum capacity, but it’s not enough.
Losses in tanks, howitzers, and other key equipment are piling up, while sanctions and logistical hurdles make ramping up production nearly impossible.
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Data collected by Oryx, which tracks confirmed equipment losses, shows staggering numbers. Russia has lost more than 3,600 tanks and nearly 1,000 self-propelled artillery systems since the start of the war.
Over 11,000 armored vehicles are gone. Experts believe these losses will only grow, with major shortages likely by the end of 2025.
One of Russia’s strategies to fill the gaps has been to refurbish old Soviet-era tanks and vehicles. This has helped temporarily. Reports estimate that 85% of the equipment sent to the front lines is modernized or repurposed stock from decades ago.
But this well is running dry too. Satellite images analyzed earlier this year show that 40% of the equipment stored at one of Russia’s largest depots has already been pulled out and sent to the battlefield.
Even modern tanks are suffering. The T-90M, one of Russia’s most advanced models, is now being produced without critical components like laser-guided sensors.
This compromises performance and puts crews at greater risk. Of the 175 T-90Ms delivered since the start of the war, 120 have already been destroyed.
There’s no easy solution for Moscow. Documents presented to the Russian parliament hint at a sharp slowdown in production growth by 2025.
For a country relying on sheer numbers to hold its ground, this trend could have enormous consequences. It’s a race against time — and resources.
