Russia’s new T-80BVM tank is designed to dominate combat in the Arctic—but has proven far from ideal in Ukraine.
The Russian T-80BVM is one of Russia’s most advanced and modernized main battle tanks (MBTs), representing a significant upgrade from the Cold War-era T-80 series. At least, that’s how it appears on paper.
This gas turbine-powered tank—most Russian tanks use diesel engines—is believed to be primed for cold-weather endurance and are excellent at acceleration. Still, the system has become a point of controversy among some of the Russian tankers who are now using this system on the frontline of Ukraine.
Designed by Uralvagonzavod/Omsktransmash, this MBT entered around 2017-19, which is a modernization of older T-80B/BV models. The T-80BVM is an upgraded system and optimized for Arctic and northern operations.
The T-80BVM Tank’s Specifications
- Year Introduced: 2019
- Number Built: Unknown (112 ordered)
- Length:
- Total weight, battle ready: ~46 tons
- Suspensions: Torsion bar suspension
- Engine: One GTD-1250TF gas turbine (~1,250 hp)
- Armament: 125mm 2A46M-4 smoothbore cannon (autoloader); APFSDS, HEAT, HE-FRAG, and 9M119 Refleks (ATGM) missiles fired through barrel; 7.62 mm PKT coaxial machine gun; 12.7 mm NSVT roof machine gun
- Top Speed: 70 km/h (43.5 mph) on road; 50 km/h (31 mph) off-road
- Range: 500 km (310 mi) with external fuel tanks
- Crew: 3 (commander, gunner, driver)
It should be noted that the ability to fire anti-tank guided missiles (ATGMs) through the main gun gives the T-80BVM extended range—up to five kilometers (roughly 3.1 miles)—and flexibility against rival tanks, fortifications, and even low-flying aircraft.
The T-80BVM Tank Is Designed for Arctic Warfare
Because this tank was designed primarily for Arctic and northern region operations, Russian designers opted to swap out the T-80 tank’s diesel engine for a gas turbine. There was a good reason for this design change: in frigid environments, diesel engines often struggle to start. Gas turbines, on the other hand, start quickly in extreme cold. What’s more, as evidenced above, these tanks have a high power-to-weight ratio that enables fast tactical repositioning.
The T-80BVM has seen extensive action since 2022 in the Ukraine War. Some reports suggest that this system has performed better than the older T-72 MBT, in terms of the T-80BVM’s mobility and firepower. A key issue—with the T-80BVM as with many Russian tanks—is that if the tank is struck in combat, the all-important autoloader will likely become damaged, and the tank will lose its ability to carry much ammunition or effectively return fire.
Some notable upgrades to the T-80BVM include a new fire-control system with Sosna-U thermal imaging sights (day/night capability). These tanks are believed to be endowed with an improved communications suite for networked warfare. They have a navigation and battle management system integrated with digital displays.
Lastly, these tanks have a modernized explosive reactive armor (ERA) across the hull and turret meant to better shield the tank from being lost in combat.
Russian Soldiers Don’t Like the New Tank
According to a recent report by Defence-Blog, a Russian crewmember serving in Ukraine reportedly gave an interview to the news outlet, Vault8, in which he seriously criticized the T-80BVM. He claims the build quality is poor because bolts are made of soft alloy. Hydraulics leak like crazy. The gas turbine engine, according to the report, is very loud—a bad thing in combat, when situational awareness is everything.
The tank is also a real gas-guzzler. Further, the report suggests that the new T-80BVM handles poorly in muddy environments. This is not good for the Russian Armed Forces, considering that Ukraine is an extremely muddy country—particularly in the upcoming spring, after the ground thaws.
And the ERA supply is incomplete. The report indicates that only some of the ERA blocks are installed, and they are done so in an improvised fashion that endangers the tank and its three-man crew. As such, the Russian interviewed by Vault8 recommends the T-90 MBT rather than these T-80BVMs.
Russia’s new T-80BVM is a fast, heavily protected, and well-armed upgrade that keeps the T-80 line relevant. Nevertheless, with Russia in a total war scenario with Ukraine, it is probable that some corners are being cut in the production of these systems. The Defence-Blog report highlights a continual problem for militaries at war. What a weapon or a platform is supposed to do on paper often does not pan out when it comes to fighting in a real-world scenario.
Russia Might Improve the T-80BVM over Time
Quick deployment of tanks doesn’t necessarily translate into better battlefield performance if they are plagued by reliability and maintenance issues. For Ukraine and its partners, reports like this provide insight where vulnerabilities might exist. That can be useful when assessing what tactics to use or where to focus efforts.
Ultimately, however, whatever problems exist with these new Russian tanks, the fact remains that the Russians are winning the war. Their equipment does not need to be perfect. It just needs to bleed the Ukrainians long enough to either force them to negotiate an end to the war or to surrender. Still, it sounds like the T-80BVM might be an example of what happens when a defense industrial base is under the kind of great strain that Russia’s is under.
About the Author: Brandon J. Weichert
Brandon J. Weichert is a senior national security editor at The National Interest. Recently, Weichert became the host of The National Security Hour on America Outloud News and iHeartRadio, where he discusses national security policy every Wednesday at 8pm Eastern. He is also a contributor at Popular Mechanics and has consulted regularly with various government institutions and private organizations on geopolitical issues. Weichert’s writings have appeared in multiple publications, including The Washington Times, National Review, The American Spectator, MSN, and the Asia Times. His books include Winning Space: How America Remains a Superpower, Biohacked: China’s Race to Control Life, and The Shadow War: Iran’s Quest for Supremacy. His newest book, A Disaster of Our Own Making: How the West Lost Ukraine is available for purchase wherever books are sold. He can be followed via Twitter @WeTheBrandon.
Image: Shutterstock / Dmitry Shchukin.
