Kyiv: Ukrainian forces have achieved a notable victory with a surprise attack that resulted in the capture of fully operational Russian T-80BWM tanks.
Advanced Weaponry in Ukrainian Hands
Recent reports indicate that Russian crews abandoned their T-80BWM tanks during the attack, leaving them fully fueled and armed. Ukrainian troops managed to advance more than 30 kilometers into Russian-held territory, creating substantial disruption within Russian ranks.
The response from Russian forces varied—some units mounted fierce resistance while others either fled or surrendered. Among the latter were crews operating the advanced T-80BWM tanks.
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The T-80BWM: A Modernized Beast
The T-80BWM is one of the most sophisticated tanks in the Russian arsenal, representing a modernized version of the older T-80BW models. Produced starting in 2017, it boasts significant upgrades including enhanced reactive armor and a sophisticated Sosna-U fire control system with third-generation thermal imaging.
However, sanctions have impacted the availability of high-tech components, forcing Russia to substitute with less effective alternatives. Reports indicate that Russia has lost at least 156 T-80BWM tanks, a figure supported by video and photographic evidence from Oryxspioenkop.
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“Flying Tank” Nickname
The T-80BWM features upgraded two-layer reactive armor known as Relikt, providing superior protection against advanced tandem warhead munitions and FPV drones. Its gas turbine engine offers exceptional responsiveness compared to traditional diesel engines, earning it the nickname “flying tank” in Russia due to its rapid acceleration and high performance.
