Ukrainian Forces vs. Russian Heavy Equipment in Modern Combat

The ongoing conflict in Ukraine has brought heavy equipment and weaponry into the spotlight, showcasing the stark differences in modern combat capabilities between Ukrainian forces and the Russian military. This article delves into the types of heavy equipment used by Ukrainian forces, the state of their equipment, and the support they receive from NATO and other countries.

Heavy Equipment Used by Ukrainian Forces

Ukrainian forces operate a diverse range of heavy equipment, including tanks, artillery, self-propelled artillery, air defense systems, and various military vehicles. These assets are essential for conducting operations and maintaining regional security.

Among the key equipment:

Tanks: Ukrainian forces have a mix of upgraded versions of older Russian T-72 and T-80 tanks, as well as captured Russian equipment. Some of these tanks have been lost, with estimates suggesting around 50% of pre-war active T-64 tanks have been lost. However, NATO and other countries have provided significant support, supplying larger quantities of modern tanks such as the Leopard 1, Leopard 2, Challenger, and Abrams. Artillery: Ukrainian forces rely on various types of artillery, including towed and self-propelled guns. The loss of key artillery components, especially artillery tubes, has made it challenging for Russian forces to maintain accurate fire. This has led them to use obsolete T-55 and T-62 tanks as artillery platforms, firing rounds in a general direction without precise targeting. Vehicle Support: Ukraine has a variety of armored personnel carriers (APCs), engineering vehicles, and multi-purpose combat vehicles (MICVs) to support their operations. These vehicles are crucial for troop transport, engineering support, and operational mobility.

Losses and Replenishment

Ukrainian forces have suffered significant losses in combat, particularly with their armored units. Despite this, they continue to receive replenishment from NATO and allied nations. The total number of tanks lost by Ukraine is believed to be around 50% of the 800 pre-war active T-64 tanks. However, the supply of modern tanks from NATO members has significantly outnumbered these losses, helping to bolster Ukrainian combat capabilities.

On the other hand, Russia's efforts to replenish its losses have been limited. The country lacks the capacity to manufacture new weapons, particularly for artillery systems. This has led to the use of older and less capable equipment such as the T-55 and T-62 tanks, which have lost their modern battleworthiness and are often inaccurate and ineffective.

NATO Support and Modernization

NATO and other allies are providing substantial support to Ukrainian forces, including modern heavy equipment, training, and logistical support. This support has been crucial in enabling Ukrainian forces to continue their operations and counter Russian aggression effectively.

Despite claims by Russia of producing new tanks and equipment, no new vehicles have been observed in recent months. This is a stark contrast to the modern, well-equipped Ukrainian forces, many of whom rely on state-of-the-art equipment provided by NATO and other international partners.

Air Defense and Artillery Capability

In the air, the Russian military has been unable to establish air superiority. They have lost at least one Su-34 bomber to an F-16 fighter jet, highlighting the vulnerability of Russian air assets. Despite numerous claims of producing new air defense systems and weapons, Russia has struggled to maintain air parity, and their reliance on human sacrifices and civilian bombing indicates a lack of true air superiority.

Ukrainian forces, on the other hand, benefit from the guidance and support provided by NATO. This includes the provision of modern air defense systems and enhanced training, which has improved their ability to defend against aerial threats.

Conclusion:

Ukrainian forces have successfully utilized a mix of upgraded, captured, and newly supplied heavy equipment to sustain their operations. NATO support has played a critical role in bolstering Ukrainian capabilities, making them a formidable force in modern combat.