Rare T-80UE-1 Tank Deployed in Ukraine: Modern Marvel or Relic?

A recent video circulating online has drawn the attention of military observers worldwide. The footage, posted on social media on April 4, appears to show a deployment of the T-80UE-1 tank by the Russian military in the ongoing conflict in Ukraine.

This sighting is significant due to the vehicle’s rarity and its unique position within the Russian arsenal.

A Modernized Upgrade, Limited by Cost

The T-80UE-1 represents an attempt by the Russian defense industry to modernize the existing T-80BV tank platform.

04 April 2024
Russian-occupied #Luhansk Oblast, #Ukraine

Russian T-80UE-1 and two BMP-2 675-SB3KDZ, all with anti-drone cages.

The T-80UE-1 belongs to Russia's 4th Guards Tank Division, 1st Guards Tank Army.

Source: YouTube pic.twitter.com/Ko5ccXAd9b

— Naalsio (@naalsio26) April 5, 2024

Compared to its predecessor, the T-80UE-1 boasts several key improvements. These include:

Enhanced Fire Control: The upgraded fire control system promises improved targeting accuracy and faster engagement times.

Improved Optics: The integration of the Plisa infrared sight, similar to the one found on the T-90, enhances the tank’s night-fighting capabilities.

Advanced Cannon: The 2A46M-4 cannon offers increased firepower with a more robust autoloader system, allowing for a wider range of ammunition, including modern kinetic energy penetrators (KEPs) like the BOPS round.

These upgrades represent a significant step forward in firepower and combat effectiveness compared to older T-80 variants.

However, the modernization program encountered a significant hurdle: COST.

The T-80UE-1’s improvements came at a premium, ultimately leading the Russian military to prioritize more cost-effective options like the T-72B3M upgrade program.

A Question of Numbers: Captured and Deployed

While the T-80UE-1’s deployment might seem like a recent development, it’s important to note that Ukrainian forces reportedly captured a number of these tanks during the initial stages of the conflict in spring 2022.

This was the first recorded loss of a Russian T-80UE-1, lost by the 4th Tank Division in Trostianets and documented on 26th February, 2022 (Oryx).

It is notable in that it seems to be the only known loss of the T-80U variants which have the "O" marking. https://t.co/WD4y9KQmtn https://t.co/pzzLgzMdoz pic.twitter.com/s6i0WD2T5N

— Archie (@ArchieIrving2) July 31, 2023

These captured vehicles have been integrated into Ukrainian formations, turning the tables on the Russians.

The recent video sighting suggests that Russia might be deploying its own limited stock of T-80UE-1 tanks in the ongoing fighting.

This could be an attempt to bolster their armored formations with these modernized vehicles, or it could simply reflect a need to utilize all available resources due to potential equipment losses.

Performance on the Battlefield: Questions Remain

The effectiveness of the T-80UE-1 on the battlefield remains an open question.

While the upgraded features offer a clear advantage over older models, the tank’s limited numbers and potentially questionable operational history raise concerns.

Some reports point towards a less-than-stellar performance during a 2020 tank biathlon event, where a T-80UE-1 allegedly struggled to hit a target during a firing exercise.

This raises questions about crew training, potential technical issues, or a combination of both.

A look inside a rare Russian T-80UE-1 (Sp.2) tank that was captured by the Ukrainians, possibly in the earlier period of war.

The tanks of this series received the Belarusian sight "Plysa," with the thermal imaging matrix of a French Thales company.https://t.co/MUkdSBr8fk pic.twitter.com/qHAGuFWXwW

— Status-6 (Military & Conflict News) (@Archer83Able) October 3, 2022

Further complicating the picture is the inherent logistical challenge associated with a rare vehicle.

Maintaining a steady supply of spare parts and ensuring proper crew familiarity with the unique characteristics of the T-80UE-1 could prove difficult for the Russians in a protracted conflict.

A Mix of Modern and Legacy: Russia’s Armored Dilemma

The deployment of the T-80UE-1 highlights the current state of the Russian armored force structure in Ukraine.

While Russia possesses advanced tanks like the T-90M Proryv, these modern vehicles are limited in number.

The bulk of the Russian armored formations rely on older T-72 and T-80 variants, with varying degrees of modernization.

The T-80UE-1 represents an attempt to bridge the gap between these two extremes.

It offers some improvements over legacy models but remains a rare and potentially unreliable option compared to more widely available, albeit less advanced, tanks.

This situation reflects a broader challenge for the Russian military – balancing modernization efforts with budgetary constraints and the logistical realities of maintaining a diverse armored force.

In the coming days and weeks, military analysts will be closely watching how Russia chooses to utilize the T-80UE-1 in the Ukrainian theatre.

The performance of these tanks will offer valuable insights into the effectiveness of this modernized platform and its potential impact on the wider conflict.