It remains to see how well further T-62s do on the front line. The fate of this one, which has made it into Oryx’s database as the first T-62 damaged in combat in Ukraine, might serve as a microcosm of the whole conflict: Ukrainian ingenuity, audacity and use of drone technology is matched against a poorly-managed Soviet-era heavy metal. If that is what happens with the more modern vehicles, one can only speculate how many of the T-62s are going to fail. In particular rubber seals have perished, leading to leaks of oil and coolant, and the pack of spare parts and experienced mechanics is likely exacerbating the problems.Īs Oryx’s database indicates, over 300 of the Russian tank losses are vehicles that have been abandoned, often due to mechanical breakdown, some 274 of which were captured by Ukrainian forces. Reports suggests that the 50-year-old vehicles have not been well maintained and crews finding it difficult to keep them going. From the look, the vehicle had already been abandoned, which highlights its biggest problem. It is unlikely the T-62 was occupied at the time. The explosion would certainly have killed anyone inside the vehicle. This is probably because the old T-62 does not have the autoloader and exposed ammunition which causes more modern Russian tanks to explode spectacularly, often throwing the turret some distance clear. The grenade does not produce an impressive explosion destroying the tank, as the operators probably hoped.
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