Russia’s increasing reliance on homemade vehicles and turtle shell tanks in battle is a clear indication that Moscow is struggling to replace the armored vehicles lost during the conflict in Ukraine. According to Oryx, a war information analysis site based in the Netherlands, over 2,000 Russian armored personnel carriers and armored fighting vehicles have been destroyed, damaged or confiscated in Ukraine. These losses include both Soviet-era and more modern models like the BTR-80.
Russia’s significant losses have had a profound impact on its supply of combat vehicles. At the beginning of 2022, Russia owned over 14,000 APCs and IFVs. However, over 40% of them have been lost since the conflict began due to various reasons such as mechanical failure, poor maintenance, and targeted attacks from Ukrainian forces. To compensate for these losses, Russia has been forced to withdraw weapons stored in warehouses since the Soviet era. Despite having significant reserves and production capacity, analysts believe that Russia may struggle to fully make up for its losses on the battlefield.
To fill this void left by traditional armored vehicles, Russian forces have turned to alternative solutions such as turtle shell tanks that offer enhanced protection against artillery fragments and FPV drones. However, these makeshift solutions come with drawbacks such as reduced mobility and limited visibility for the crew. While they may provide some defense against certain threats, they are not an ideal solution for long-term combat capabilities.
The situation on the front lines in Ukraine suggests that Russia is facing a shortage of armored vehicles due to these losses which have forced tactical adjustments and reliance on alternative vehicles such as homemade tanks made from recycled materials.
As losses continue to mount due to continued military operations in Eastern Ukraine’s Donbass region by Ukrainian forces backed by NATO allies under Operation Sea Breeze II mission extension agreement with NATO allies signed under Operation Atlantic Resolve program., observers suggest that continued Western aid to Ukraine is crucial in maintaining pressure on Russia and limiting its ability to escalate the conflict further.
Russia’s use of homemade vehicles and turtle shell tanks is a testament to its desperation for alternatives after losing thousands of traditional armored vehicles during the conflict in Ukraine. However, it remains uncertain whether Russia will be able to fully recover from these losses or if it will continue relying on makeshift solutions for years to come.
In conclusion, Russia’s increasing use of homemade vehicles and turtle shell tanks indicates a growing struggle with replacing lost traditional armored vehicles during ongoing military operations in Eastern Ukraine’s Donbass region by Ukrainian forces backed by NATO allies under Operation Sea Breeze II mission extension agreement with NATO allies signed under Operation Atlantic Resolve program..
