In the current geopolitical climate, will the Russian defense industry be able to produce up to 1,500 tanks in 2023 alone?
Russia is one of the world’s largest producers of tanks, and they have a well-established tank manufacturing industry. In recent years, they have made significant investments in their tank production capabilities, including upgrading and modernizing their factories.
Deputy Chairman of the Security Council of the Russian Federation Dmitry Medvedev recently announced a plan to produce up to 1,500 new tanks for the Russian Army in 2023, but this plan is considered unrealistic.
It can be compared with the report of the Ministry of Defense of the Russian Federation on tank production in 2021, according to which they received a total of about 500 units of armored vehicles.
Although now Russian factories have switched to wartime working mode, operating 24/7, producing significantly more output. However, the reality is still not able to reach the huge number of 1,500 pieces. According to a report by the Minister of Defense of the Russian Federation – General Sergei Shoigu – even non-stop production lines will only increase the production of weapons and military equipment by 30% by 2022.
Even if Russia pushes production up 60% from 2021, bringing the number of vehicles to 400, the extent of the damage must be taken into account.
According to some statistics, as of March 24, 2023, the total number of Russian tanks destroyed or damaged has reached 3,574 units. If this is correct, the new production tank will only last 57 days.
Besides, for the state of the Russian Federation today, the number of 400 tanks produced per year is also uncertain, even taking into account all possibilities, such as taking the T-54/55s out of the stockpile. store for counting.
Detailed statistics show that the Uralvagonzavod plant operating at full capacity will produce 20 tanks per month, (240 tanks per year).
Regarding the restoration of old vehicles, there is data showing that Uralvagonzavod’s own repair capacity is 8 vehicles per month, and 3 other armored vehicle repair plants of the Russian Federation, each of which can restore 17 vehicles.
At Armory Repair Plant No. 103 in Chita, where T-62s are being restored, production is about 7 tanks per month.
The above fact shows that Russia’s plan to produce 1,500 tanks in 2023 is unlikely to come true.
