Ukrainian forces have executed a remarkable surprise attack, capturing fully operational Russian T-80BWM tanks.
One of the Most Advanced Tanks
According to Tech this unexpected success has led to reports of Russian crews abandoning their posts, leaving behind these advanced weapons systems fully fueled and armed.
Ukrainian troops managed to penetrate Russian positions by over 30 kilometers, creating significant disruption among Russian forces.
The chaos led to varied responses from Russian units—some offered staunch resistance while others either deserted or surrendered. Among the latter were crews operating the sophisticated T-80BWM tanks.
The T-80BWM, one of the most advanced tanks in the Russian arsenal, represents a modernized version of the older T-80BW models.
Nicknamed "Flying Tank"
First produced in 2017, the T-80BWM features a comprehensive upgrade including improved reactive armor and a sophisticated Sosna-U fire control system equipped with third-generation thermal cameras.
However, sanctions have affected the availability of these high-tech components, forcing Russia to rely on less effective alternatives.
According to reports, Russia has lost at least 156 T-80BWM tanks, a figure confirmed by video and photographic evidence collected by Oryxspioenkop. The T-80BWM's modern features include an upgraded two-layer reactive armor called Relikt, which provides enhanced protection against advanced tandem warhead munitions and FPV drones.
A unique characteristic of the T-80BWM is its gas turbine engine, offering superior responsiveness compared to traditional diesel engines. This feature has earned it the nickname "flying tank" in Russia due to its rapid acceleration and high performance.
