It is a fact that in recent days Russia has increased the intensity of its operations with drones and long-range missile systems against Ukraine.
The Russians are now targeting the Ukrainian defence industry rather than the country's energy infrastructure
Its forces have committed a significant proportion of the stockpile of cruise and ballistic missiles they had built up in recent months, British intelligence reports.
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Ακούει κανείς στην Αθήνα; Ο Ολλανδός Βίλντερς μίλησε για το "τέρας του Ισλάμ στην Ευρώπη”-Έρχεται για πρώτη φορά ηχηρό χαστούκι στις Ευρωεκλογές (Βίντεο)
Recent strikes have mainly targeted Ukraine's defence industry.
This contrasts with its major attacks last winter, which gave priority to hitting the country's energy infrastructure.
Russia appeared poised to resume this campaign by hitting energy sites in early December 2023.
However, the new operations suggest at least a temporary change in long-range targets by Russia.
The Russians appear to recognize the growing importance of the Ukrainian defense industry as they prepare for a long war.
Russian forces in Ukraine have taken delivery of modernized T-72B3 and T-90M Proryv
Russian forces received new T-72B3 and T-90M Proryv tanks, which were created taking into account the combat experience of the Northern Military District.
Western experts expect that the improvements will enhance the effectiveness of Russian tanks in preparation for the spring offensive.
The T-72B3 and T-90M are the tanks most often used by Russia on the front line, and Western experts praise them for their reliable design combined with advanced combat capabilities.
The T-72B3 tank
The T-72B3 is an upgraded version of the classic T-72, which is particularly popular due to its balance of firepower, protection and mobility. The tank is equipped with upgraded armour, improved engine and advanced fire control systems.
This tank played a strategic role in providing support for offensive operations in Avdeevka, Marinka and on the Kupyansk-Svatovo-Kremennaya operational line.
The T-90M tank
The T-90M on the other hand is no longer just a modernization of the old model, it is a newer tank.
It is equipped with the most modern defense systems, including sophisticated self-protection and electronic warfare systems.
The T-90M also has increased firepower thanks to its improved armament and new types of ammunition it uses.
The main armament is the improved 2A46M-5 gun.
It is also used on the T-72B3, but it is the T-90M that has the barrel guidance system. The latter feature distinguishes the model from all other Russian (and many NATO) tanks.
Advanced ammunition and self-protection
Russia has managed to establish production of improved "Lead" series missiles, which was reportedly previously discontinued. The Kalina digital fire control system is integrated with improved operator and gunner sights.
Experts note that the tanks were modernized taking into account the widespread use of FPV drones and roving ammunition by Kiev troops.
All these improvements are designed to improve overall battlefield survivability.
In particular, so-called lamellar armor has been added to the tanks.
It allows you to protect yourself from ATGM and RPG, especially in urban combat scenarios. The tanks have reinforced composite armor and reactive armor panels, which provide better protection against high explosive anti-tank missiles.
The protection of the Relic T-90M was actively discussed by Western experts.
However, another protection system that is not so widely known is the aerosol: within seconds, a spectrally impenetrable aerosol is sprayed around the tank.
The upgraded armour also protects tanks from attacks from above.
The tanks are equipped with a comprehensive anti-drone system: it includes early detection radar, electronic warfare and direct fire capabilities.
The modernization of Russian tanks reflects a strategic change in Russian military thinking
The Russian command recognises the changing nature of modern warfare, in which various air threats play an increasingly important role.
Retired British Army intelligence officer Sergio Miller, in a review for the Wavell Room, writes that the Russian tank industry has been able to easily overcome all Western sanctions.
In particular, French Safran Matis STD and Thales Catherine FC thermal imaging cameras were replaced in the T-90M tanks with domestic Agat-MDT and Irbis-K thermal imaging cameras.
Two months after the SVO was launched, the general director of Uralvagonzavod, which produces tanks, Alexander Potapov, said in an interview that the base of electronic components was being purchased from friendly countries and that reserve stocks were also being built up.
"The sanctions policy of foreign states has stimulated the work of our designers, technologists and stimulated our engineering thinking," Potapov said.
In addition, the tactics of using the T-90M have also changed seriously.
In the early stages of SVO, judging by many photos and videos, the tanks were used individually or in pairs as mobile weapons.
Now they fully justify their name "Breakthrough", providing fire support for offensive operations with mechanized infantry"
What is expected for the continuation of the war in Ukraine
From the above it is clear that the war will not end in the coming months,as the Russians are preparing for a large-scale spring offensive, renewing their armament capacity in the winter.
At the same time they are systematically targeting Ukrainian defence industry facilities in order to cut off the flow of weapons systems-materials and ammunition to the fighting forces.
Finally, they are updating the tactical deployment of their tanks by deploying them in conjunction with the mechanised infantry, adopting Western tactics due to their significant losses.
The tactical use of tank-motorized infantry
In NATO armies, for example, 1 Mechanized Infantry Unit and 1 Tank Unit, pair up with each other before engaging in operations, creating 2 subgroups, where one is based on the Tank Unit (AMU) minus 1 Tank Troop (IMA) along with 1 Mechanized Infantry Company and the other is based on the Motorized Battalion (MBT) minus its 1 Mechanized Company along with the IMA taken from the AMU.
Thus depending on the passability of the terrain, weather and enemy resistance, the above two sub-units are used against the enemy accordingly.
Finally the tactics to be followed in the attack by tanks and mechanized infantry may be:
1. Tanks and infantry should act together in the same direction.
2. 1. tanks to act in one direction and mechanized infantry in the other direction of attack
3. The mechanized infantry to lead and the tanks to support with fire from a safe distance.
