Russia’s increasing use of homemade vehicles and turtle shell tanks in battle is evidence of the country’s struggle to replace the armored personnel carriers (APCs) and infantry fighting vehicles (IFVs) lost during the conflict in Ukraine. Over 2,000 Russian APCs and IFVs have been destroyed, damaged, or confiscated since the conflict began. These losses include both Soviet-era armored vehicles and newer models like the BTR-80.
The significant losses suffered by Russia have severely impacted its supply of combat vehicles. The country owned over 14,000 APCs and IFVs at the beginning of 2022, but has lost over 40% of them since the conflict began. To compensate for these losses, Russia has been forced to withdraw weapons stored in warehouses since the Soviet era. Despite having significant reserves and production capacity, analysts believe that Russia may struggle to fully make up for its losses on the battlefield.
As a result of these losses, Russian forces have been deploying alternative vehicles and tanks, such as the “turtle shell tank” that offers enhanced protection against artillery fragments and FPV drones. However, these makeshift solutions come with drawbacks, including reduced mobility and limited visibility for the crew. While these vehicles may provide some defense against certain threats, they are not a perfect solution.
The situation on the front lines in Ukraine suggests that Russia is facing a shortage of armored vehicles, leading to tactical adjustments and reliance on alternative vehicles. As losses continue to mount, Russia may soon face a depletion of its armored vehicle reserves, impacting its long-term combat capabilities. Observers suggest that continued Western aid to Ukraine is crucial in maintaining pressure on Russia and limiting its ability to escalate the conflict further.
In conclusion, Russia’s increasing use of homemade vehicles and turtle shell tanks highlights their struggle to replace APCs and IFVs lost during the conflict in Ukraine. While these makeshift solutions provide some defense against certain threats, they are not a perfect solution due to their drawbacks such as reduced mobility and limited visibility for the crew. As losses continue to mount on both sides
