Russia has been experiencing significant losses in armored vehicles during the conflict in Ukraine, with over 2,000 Russian armored personnel carriers and fighting vehicles destroyed or damaged as of early May. These losses have severely impacted Russia’s supply of combat vehicles, with almost 4,000 enemy IFVs disabled since the conflict began. This has led to a shortage of armored vehicles on the battlefield.
To compensate for these losses, Moscow has been withdrawing weapons from storage facilities dating back to the Soviet era. However, experts believe that Russia may soon run out of armored vehicles and struggle to keep up with the rate of losses on the battlefield. In response to the shortage of combat vehicles, Russia has resorted to using homemade vehicles like turtle shell tanks. These tanks are covered with makeshift armor resembling a turtle shell to protect against artillery fragments and drones. While effective against certain threats, the armor limits visibility, mobility, and crew safety in battle. Despite these challenges, Russia continues to deploy these tanks in combat.
The situation on the front lines indicates that Russia is struggling to maintain a sufficient supply of combat vehicles. They are increasingly relying on unconventional methods like homemade tanks to compensate for losses and maximize protection capabilities. As the conflict continues, the impact of these losses on Russia’s long-term combat plans remains uncertain. Ukraine, on the other hand, has demonstrated its ability to weaken Russia’s military capabilities and is in need of continued support from the West to sustain its defense efforts.
In conclusion, Russia’s heavy reliance on unconventional methods like homemade tanks highlights their struggles in maintaining a sufficient supply of combat vehicles during this conflict in Ukraine. The impact of these losses on their long-term combat plans remains uncertain but it is clear that they will need more than just homemade solutions if they want to win this war.
