Reports suggest that they have relocated a U.S. M1A1 Abrams tank, captured in Ukraine, to Nizhny Tagil. This site houses Uralvagon Zavod, the main production centre for Russian military vehicles. Alongside the Abrams is a German Leopard 2A6 tank, also captured earlier and taken to the same facility. Russian engineers are currently examining both vehicles.
This analysis will focus on the composite armour for the M1A1 Abrams. Russian engineers will likely investigate its materials and construction methods to learn more about its defences against projectiles and blasts. As of December 2024, Ukraine has received 31 M1A1 Abrams tanks from the U.S. According to reports, combat has destroyed or severely damaged about 17 of these tanks, accounting for roughly two-thirds of them.
The first Abrams captured by Russian forces was near Berdychi in April 2024 and suffered heavy internal damage, reportedly from a Lancet drone strike followed by a missile from the Russian 15th Separate Guards Motorised Rifle Brigade.
Experts still find the damaged tank useful for studying its fire control, thermal imaging, and armour layout. The U.S. modified the M1A1 Abrams tanks before sending them to Ukraine to meet security requirements. They removed advanced armour containing depleted uranium to prevent sensitive technology from falling into the wrong hands.
They also downgraded or removed some electronics and communication systems to simplify use and maintenance for Ukrainian In the event of Russian capture, these steps ensured the tanks remained operational and complied with U.S. protocols regarding technology transfer restrictions.
onzavod Factory and War Trophies
Uralvagonzavod, founded in 1936 in the Ural Mountains, is among the largest tank factories globally. It has manufactured vehicles like the T-34, T-72, T-90, and T-14 Armata, along with railway cars and heavy machinery. The facility’s secure location helps protect against outside interference, allowing for the thorough analysis of captured military equipment.
The facility receives vehicles like the Leopard 2A6 for technological evaluations and combat efficiency assessments. Russian engineers seek to integrate specific design features into their vehicles or identify any weaknesses they may reveal.
Even a damaged M1A1 Abrams holds value for analysis, as its parts and materials can offer vital information regarding its creation and armour quality. (Image source: Russian social media) Russian engineers at Uralvagonzavod will now assess the captured M1A1 Abrams tank to evaluate its technological aspects. The primary focus of the analysis will be on its composite armour, which is specifically designed for effective protection.
Engineers will study the materials and build techniques to understand how they withstand projectiles and explosions. They will also explore its fire control system to see how it enables precise targeting and could contribute to Russian military systems.
Gulf War
The assessment of the M1A1 Abrams may also look at its combat abilities, especially how it operates in different environments, such as when compared to the T-80BVM tracks. Therefore, engineers will assess its mobility, combat performance, and battlefield effectiveness. Historical examples, like its use in the Gulf War, help in checking the tank’s protection and firepower.
This study will help compare it with Russian tanks to identify strengths and areas that need work. Russian engineers will also see if they can use features from the Abrams in their future tanks. They will look at the manual ammunition loader instead of an autoloader as a potential option.
The interior design of the tank, made for better crew use, will be checked for ways to make Russian tanks more efficient. These studies plan to assess the Abrams’ design in real situations and see if they can help improve Russian armoured vehicles.
Abrams in Ukraine
Before sending M1A1 Abrams tanks to Ukraine, changes were made: advanced armour with depleted uranium was taken off, and some electronic systems were downgraded or removed to make it easier for Ukrainian forces to operate and maintain them. Uralvagonzavod is also examining the captured German Leopard 2A6.
It has layered, spaced armour, a Rheinmetall 120mm L55 smoothbore gun, and up-to-date fire control systems. Russian engineers are looking at its braking systems, turret design, and thermal imaging gear. The Leopard 2A6 runs on an MTU diesel engine, which lets it reach speeds of up to 72 km/h and travel 500 kilometres. Results from these studies will help with designs for Russian armoured vehicles.
Russian engineers are studying both tanks to help design future armoured vehicles. They are examining Abrams’ composite armour and fire control system. They are also focusing on the Leopard’s turret design and thermal imaging technology.
Conclusion
Russia plans to reverse engineer captured tanks to find useful features and improve its designs. This process could help upgrade tanks like the T-72B3M, T-80BVM, T-90M, and even the T-14 Armata. On May 1, 2024, Moscow displayed these tanks at the “Dead Iron” exhibition on Poklonnaya Hill. The event featured captured Abrams and Leopard tanks as the main attractions. The exhibition also showcased other NATO and Ukrainian vehicles, such as Bradley M2A2s and CV9040s.
An older Leopard 2A4 was part of the display too, drawing attention from defense analysts. Russian sources claim that Ukrainian forces lost all the gear during recent battles. Russia moved these tanks to Uralvagonzavod for study and analysis. The move follows a broader trend of capturing or destroying advanced Western systems in the war. Russian forces also seized Patriot, IRIS-T, HIMARS, and a British Challenger 2 tank.
References
- Uralvagonzavod Overview and Role
Uralvagonzavod is one of the largest tank manufacturers globally, focusing on reverse engineering captured military vehicles.
Visit the Uralvagonzavod Official Website - M1A1 Abrams Technical Overview
The M1A1 Abrams tank boasts detailed specifications and capabilities.
Learn More About M1A1 Abrams at Military-Today - Leopard 2A6 Specifications
The German Leopard 2A6 tank provides comprehensive details about its design and technology.
Read About Leopard 2A6 at Tank Encyclopedia - Captured Western Weapons in Ukraine Conflict
Russian forces captured Western weapons during the Ukraine conflict.
See the Report on Defense News Today
