A T-80 tank, decorated with “Z” symbols denoting support for Russia’s invasion of Ukraine, seen in Moscow in September 2022. The T-80’s vulnerabilities have contributed to a reputation as a “steel coffin” and a high attrition rate in Ukraine, though Russia claims it has upgraded some models. (Shutterstock/Ja Het)

Russia Says It Upgraded Its Jet-Powered Tanks. Are They Really Better Now?

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The T-80, once heralded as the “tank of the English Channel” for its supposed ability to conquer Europe, has long struggled with a reputation for vulnerability in combat.

This past summer marked the 50th anniversary of the introduction of the “last” Soviet-designed main battle tank (MBT), the T-80. When it was introduced, the T-80 was seen as quite a sophisticated vehicle for the era, with its powerplant allowing it to reach speeds exceeding 70 km/h (45 mph). Importantly, the tank’s jet-powered engine allowed it to warm up quickly, even in the dead of winter—a matter of vital importance in Russia, as Nazi Germany’s tank corps had discovered to their chagrin decades earlier.

With its high speed, Soviet designers sometimes half-jokingly referred to the improved T-80B as the “Tank of the English Channel,” as they envisioned that it could blast through Germany and make it to the English Channel in only five days. Of course, regardless of combat effectiveness, the tank would have needed a lot of pit stops along the way, as its gas turbine engine consumed massive amounts of fuel. It also required expensive, complex maintenance. And its combat record was far from stellar, with the tank........

© The National Interest