Anna Hartz
Where Have All the T-72 Tanks Gone? A Look at Russia’s Declining Arsenal
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For decades, the T-72 tank has been a symbol of Russian military power.
It has been used in conflicts around the world and remains one of the most recognizable Soviet-era armored vehicles.
However, recent reports suggest that Russia may be running out of these tanks in its war against Ukraine, reports WP.
Richard Vereker, an OSINT analyst, has been tracking Russian military losses. He notes a sharp drop in the number of T-72 tanks lost on the battlefield in recent months.
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In March, only a handful were recorded as destroyed. Despite this, Russian forces are still losing large numbers of armored vehicles.
The difference is in the type of tanks being lost. Since the start of 2025, nearly two-thirds of Russian tank losses have been T-80 series models.
Ukraine has also been destroying more T-62 tanks, some of which date back to the 1960s.
Videos from the frontlines show both original T-62 models and upgraded T-62Ms from the 1980s being hit.
Vereker believes these figures indicate a shift in Russia’s tank strategy. With fewer T-72s available, they are relying on a mix of slightly newer and much older models.
The third most commonly lost tank is the T-90. This is Russia’s most advanced tank in Ukraine. Vladimir Putin once claimed it was “the best in the world.”
The war has proven otherwise. While the T-90 is more effective than older Soviet designs, it has not been able to turn the tide of battle.
The T-72 first entered service in 1973 and quickly became one of the most widely used tanks worldwide.
Poland and many other countries have operated various versions of it. When introduced, it was praised for its firepower and mobility.
It has a 125 mm 2A46M cannon, two machine guns, and an engine with 780 horsepower. This allows it to reach speeds of up to 60 km/h.
Ukraine has managed to destroy not only standard T-72 models but also more advanced variants.
Some of the most notable include the T-72B and the T-72B3. The latter is equipped with a Sosna-U sight and enhanced reactive armor, making it one of Russia’s more dangerous tanks.
The pattern of losses suggests that Russia’s stock of T-72s is depleting. Whether they can continue replacing them with older or newer tanks remains to be seen.
What is clear is that the war in Ukraine has tested Russia’s armored forces like never before.
