T-62 Tank — Cold War Soviet MBT Returns to Combat

The article "T-62 Tank — Cold War Soviet MBT Returns to Combat" by Peter Suciu discusses the resurgence of the Cold War-era Soviet T-62 main battle tank in modern conflicts, particularly in the Russo-Ukrainian War that escalated in 2022. These tanks, introduced six decades ago, were mostly seen in museums but have now found a place on the frontlines again. Despite their age, T-62 tanks have been deployed in conflicts in Libya, Syria, and Yemen, indicating their effectiveness against forces without modern anti-tank weapons. However, the article highlights that refurbishing these tanks with new optics and armor doesn't make them adequately equipped to handle today's advanced anti-tank weaponry.

The article explores the strategic decision behind Russia deploying refurbished T-62 tanks in the Ukrainian conflict, despite their infamous inadequacy against modern western-made anti-tank weaponry such as the U.S.-made FGM-148 Javelin and British NLAW. The upgraded T-62 tanks feature new optics and added armor, yet remain highly vulnerable against more advanced tanks like the German Leopard 2 and British Challenger 2. The deployment of these tanks to some elite Russian units rather than second-line troops raises questions about Moscow's strategy and highlights the challenges facing the Russian military.

Peter Suciu explains how the T-62 was a significant tank in its era, introducing design standards later used in subsequent Soviet and Russian tanks. Despite being outclassed today, the tank's development and deployment history offer insights into its legacy. With over 22,000 T-62s produced, they remain a testament to military engineering of the past and are now a controversial choice in modern warfare. This analysis underscores the complexities of resurrecting older military hardware in contemporary conflicts.

For more detailed insights, read the original article: T-62 Tank — Cold War Soviet MBT Returns to Combat.