Reviving the T-64: Ukraine's successful modernization of aging soviet tanks

Theoretically, post-Soviet T-64 tanks should have retired from service and received severe beatings at the front. However, years ago, Ukraine managed to start a campaign to resuscitate them, which resulted in the Ukrainian T-64 BM Bulat.

History of the T-64 Tanks

The T-64 tanks were developed between 1964 and 1987, with a production output of approximately 12,500 units. The roots of this project can be traced back to 1954 when the Soviet Union initiated efforts to modernize its armored forces. The task was entrusted to the Design Office of the Transport Machinery Factory, under the leadership of Aleksandr Morozov, a distinguished figure in the field of military technology.

Morozov's work on the T-64 earned him numerous accolades, and for good reason. The T-64 was a groundbreaking tank during its time, boasting several innovations that surprised the Allies when it was first deployed. Notably, it featured an automatic loading system and a three-man crew. What set it apart on the global stage was its composite armor, making it the first mass-produced tank with enhanced resistance to HEAT shells. The armor came in two variants: one made of aluminum and the other with ceramic balls sandwiched between two layers of steel.

In terms of armament, the original T-64 was equipped with a 125 mm 2A46 smoothbore gun, capable of carrying 40 rounds of ammunition. This combination allowed it to launch anti-tank guided missiles with a range of 4 km against enemy tanks. Additionally, it featured 7.62 mm and 12.7 mm machine guns for engaging less armored targets at closer ranges. With a combat weight of 42.4 tons, a total length of 9.22 meters, and a width of 3.6 meters, it was powered by a 5-cylinder, 10-piston multi-fuel engine with two crankshafts, producing 700 horsepower despite its relatively small capacity of around 13.6 liters. This engine enabled the T-64 to reach speeds of up to 60.5 km/h on roads and 45 km/h in off-road conditions, with a maximum range of 500 km.

Today, the T-64 tanks in the possession of the Ukrainian armed forces hold a significant advantage over their original counterparts due to extensive modernization efforts

Currently, Ukraine is the primary user of T-64 tanks, with its armed forces having upgraded approximately 800 of them. Following the dissolution of the USSR, it was only natural for Ukraine to continue work on these tanks since their production took place within its borders. This led to the development of two improvements in 1999: the T-64BM2 and T-64U, and in 2010, the T-64BM Bulat. However, the work on these tanks did not stop there.

Building on the T-64BM Bulat, the T-64BM2 Bulat version was developed. It was officially announced in 2019 and showcased at a parade in 2021, with a focus on upgrading older models, including the T-64BV version.

So, how many modern T-64 tanks does Ukraine currently possess? According to the latest information available, Ukraine has over a hundred T-64BV tanks (as of 2017), at least 76 T-64BM Bulat tanks, and several, possibly a dozen or so, T-64BM2 Bulat tanks, in addition to hundreds of older variants.

These modernization efforts have significantly enhanced the T-64's design on multiple fronts. The most significant changes have been made to the armor, where the Russian Kontakt-5 armor has been replaced with Ukrainian-made Knife reactive armor. This change has greatly improved the tanks' defensive capabilities against tandem warheads, further bolstered by the addition of the Varta active protection system. As a result, even older T-64 tanks now possess armor comparable to modern tanks, with the traditional weak point being the turret.

The T-64BM Bulat, weighing 45 tons, has also received a new 125-mm KBA3 cannon of Ukrainian production, capable of firing anti-tank guided missiles with tandem warheads, as well as a TO1-KO1ER night sight. The second iteration of this upgrade addresses previously overlooked shortcomings, particularly those discovered during conflicts in the Donbas region.

Furthermore, these tanks have been equipped with the TPN-1TPV thermal imaging system, the 1A43U fire control system, the Basalt battlefield information system, improved reactive armor, an armored shield over the commander's cupola, 12 mm of armor for external fuel tanks, screens against hand grenade launchers next to the engine compartment, and a new engine, the 6TD-1, boasting 1000 HP along with a new gearbox.

It's crucial to remember that these Ukrainian T-64 tanks have been in service for several decades. However, Ukraine has succeeded in their long-term modernization, making these older tanks capable of meeting the demands of modern warfare. Most importantly, Ukraine, as a significant European tank power, achieved this at a relatively low cost compared to designing modern tanks from scratch.