When it was revealed in 1964, the T-64 was a formidable leap forward for Russian tank design.
Technologies considered ‘standard’ on tanks today were revolutionary when the T-64 first showcased them.
Composite armour, a new 125 mm gun and an automatic loader, reducing the crew from 4 to 3. In addition, it incorporated a new compact engine system. All brought together into a tank whose weight was just 38 tons.
It was a modern, powerful, advanced main battle tank.
However, its complexity and cost were seen as keeping it from the export market. Instead the first T-64’s were kept for Russian units only, the T-72 becoming the Soviet Unions export success in later years.
Everything changed after the collapse of the soviet Union.
The one factory manufacturing T-64’s was based in Ukraine. Deciding to keep that one factory operational left Ukraine as the sole producer of T-64 tanks to this day
Many of the modern Ukrainian army units still field various types of T-64, the most numerous being the T-64BVM with advanced ERA, improved fire control, stabilised gun system and improved engine. Additionally Ukraine fields small numbers of the T-64BM Bulat.
Even with influx’s of new western tanks, there are simply not enough of them to equip every Ukrainian armoured unit. As such, the T-64’s many variants will continue to serve Ukraine’s armed forces for years to come.
Sources:
https://www.forbes.com/sites/davidaxe/2024/06/23/ukraine-isnt-anywhere-close-to-running-out-of-t-64-tanks/
https://armyrecognition.com/military-products/army/main-battle-tanks/main-battle-tanks/t-64-main-battle-tank-russian-army
https://www.historynet.com/t-64-tank/
https://militarywatchmagazine.com/article/t-64-battle-tank-why-ukraine-is-the-only-country-relying-on-this-soviet
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