Ukrainian forces have managed to exploit a significant opportunity. Taking advantage of local superiority and the element of surprise, Ukrainian troops have penetrated over 20 kilometers into Russian territory.
An Unexpected Advance
According to Tech their tactical advantage has been enhanced by establishing effective air defense, which has hindered Russian aircraft from attacking Ukrainian positions.
This unexpected advance has forced Russian forces to rapidly assemble units using available resources from the region.
This hasty reorganization has led to a series of inefficiencies, including the abandonment of valuable military equipment. Among the casualties of this chaotic situation are the modern Russian T-72B3 tanks, which have been left behind by retreating forces.
One particularly notable find is an abandoned T-72B3 tank near the town of Sudzha. This model, equipped with advanced thermal imaging cameras, represents a significant loss for the Russian military.
Substantial Losses
The T-72B3, a key workhorse of the Russian army, has been produced since 2011 and features upgrades such as the Sosna-U fire control system, which was initially equipped with French thermal cameras.
According to "The Military Balance 2021," Russia had around 1,150 T-72B3 tanks, a number that likely exceeded 1,200 due to wartime production. However, recent reports indicate that Russian losses of these tanks are substantial.
The group Oryxspioenkop has confirmed the loss of at least 431 T-72B3 tanks, though the actual number could be twice as high. As newer T-90M tanks become more common, the T-72B3s are increasingly being replaced by older T-62M models.
The T-72B3 represents an economically modified version of the T-72B, featuring improved optics, a more accurate 2A45M-5 gun, and updated reactive armor. Despite these upgrades, the T-72B3 offers less protection compared to the latest T-90M models.
