Russian Tank Experts Conduct “Reverse Engineering” on U.S. M1A1 Abrams
According to reports from the Russian military Telegram channel, Military Observer, the Abrams tank was delivered to the renowned tank manufacturer in Nizhny Tagil, where it will undergo examination by Uralvagonzavod’s tank experts.
(DEFENCE SECURITY ASIA) – The Russian military has sent a U.S.-made M1A1 Abrams tank, captured from Ukrainian forces, to the Uralvagonzavod tank manufacturing plant for the purpose of reverse engineering.
According to reports from the Russian military Telegram channel, Military Observer, the Abrams tank was delivered to the renowned tank manufacturer in Nizhny Tagil, where it will undergo examination by Uralvagonzavod’s tank experts.
Uralvagonzavod is responsible for developing tanks such as the T-72, T-80, T-90, and the T-14 Armata, as well as various types of armored vehicles for the Russian military and export markets.
A video accompanying the Telegram report shows the Abrams tank arriving at Uralvagonzavod, covered in plastic with only its gun barrel exposed.
The current condition of the Abrams tank remains unknown, but observers speculate that it was likely captured in operational condition, allowing it to undergo the reverse engineering process by Russian tank experts.
Reverse engineering is not a new concept but a standard procedure often carried out by both warring sides.
Another Abrams bites the dust.
Approximately a month and a half ago, a well-preserved German Leopard 2A6 tank captured from Ukrainian forces was also transported to Uralvagonzavod for reverse engineering.
Ukraine employs similar practices with Russian missiles and weapons systems that have fallen into its hands. It is worth noting that, through reverse engineering and with the assistance of Western experts, Ukraine has successfully uncovered many secrets behind Russian military cruise missiles.
What does Russia hope to learn from reverse engineering the U.S. Abrams tank?
The primary objective of reverse engineering the Abrams is to study its modern components and gain deeper insight into the systems that contribute to the tank’s battlefield success.
One key feature that Uralvagonzavod experts are expected to closely examine is the Abrams’ composite armor, believed to be a blend of metals and ceramics, providing maximum protection for the tank.
By analyzing this technology, Russia could acquire critical knowledge to enhance its own tank armor and potentially develop more effective countermeasures against anti-tank weapons.
Another area of interest for Russian experts is the tank’s fire control system.
The Abrams is equipped with advanced targeting and fire control systems, including thermal imaging, laser rangefinders, and ballistic computers, ensuring high accuracy even in challenging conditions.
By studying these technologies, Russian engineers could improve the targeting systems of their own tanks, boosting the effectiveness of their firepower.
The Abrams’ mobility, powered by a gas turbine engine, is also likely to attract attention. This engine provides the tank with remarkable speed and agility, even on difficult terrain.
By understanding the design and operation of this engine, Russian engineers could apply lessons learned to enhance the mobility of their own armored vehicles.
Recent reports from the Russia-Ukraine conflict claim that 20 out of 31 U.S.-made M1A1 Abrams tanks supplied to Ukraine have already been destroyed.
The latest destruction of an Abrams tank operated by Ukrainian forces reportedly occurred in the Kursk region of Russia during a Ukrainian incursion into Russian territory near the border.
Lancet-E (ROSOBORONEXPORT)
Russian military analysts assert that the destruction of 20 Abrams tanks occurred within six months this year, shortly after the U.S.-made tanks were deployed to the battlefield.
Currently, according to Russian military analysts, the majority of the 20 destroyed Abrams tanks in Ukraine were taken out by Russian FPV (First Person View) drones and Lancet loitering munitions.
The destruction of Western-made tanks on the battlefield in Ukraine has led Western military analysts to question whether tanks still have a role in modern and future warfare.
Due to the vulnerability of Abrams tanks to Russian drone strikes, Ukraine, at Washington’s request, ordered the withdrawal of the M1A1 SA Abrams tanks from combat zones several months ago.
Two U.S. military officials told The Associated Press that the donated Abrams tanks could not operate on the battlefield without being detected and relentlessly targeted by Russian drones. — DSA