During the full-scale war against Ukraine, Russia lost about 50% of its pre-war fleet of modern T-72B3 and T-72B3M tanks. In addition, the enemy has significantly depleted its stocks of cruise missiles, and Russian aviation has also suffered losses.
As noted by the International Institute for Strategic Studies (IISS) in its introduction to "Military Balance 2023", Senior Fellow for Defence and Military Analysis, James Hackett, the Russian Armed Forces suffered heavy losses of personnel and equipment during a full-scale invasion of Ukraine. At the same time, as a result of Moscow's mobilization, the number of personnel increased compared to previous years.
"Russia’s tank and artillery fleets have suffered significant attrition. Around 50% of its pre-war fleet of modern T-72B3s and T-72B3Ms is assessed to have been lost. Moreover, the composition of Russia’s inventory has changed. As modern vehicles have been destroyed, Russia has looked to maintain its fleet by bringing older vehicles out of store," says the report.
"The T-72B3M modernization program began only in 2014. For example, it is equipped with more modern dynamic armor and a newer fire control computer. Due to losses, the composition of the armored fleet has changed. Russia has increasingly used old equipment that has been returned to service," - says the material of Spiegel, which read the IISS report.
In addition, Russian aviation suffered heavy losses.
"Equipment holdings may look good on paper, but can they be effectively used? Assessments like these include judgements of industrial sustainability, logistics, maintenance, strategies and plans and training, areas in which Russia’s armed forces have in 2022 demonstrated significant deficiencies," says the report
