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T-80BVM flatters to deceive as an Arctic tank

15th April 2021 - 14:52 GMT | by Alex Orlov in Moscow

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The Russian MoD plans to procure T-80BVM MBTs in 2021. (Photo: Russian MoD)

Claims ring hollow that the upgraded T-80BVM would function in Arctic conditions.

A batch of upgraded T-80BVM MBTs has been delivered to the 64th Motor Rifle Brigade of the Russian Ground Forces, the press service of the Eastern Military District announced on 7 April.

Defence officials promote the modernised T-80BVM as being geared towards Arctic operations and manufacturer Uralvagonzavod (UVZ) claims the main benefit of the tank is its gas turbine engine’s ability to start quickly in below-zero temperatures.

However, the case for deploying T-80BVMs to the Arctic is actually rather unimpressive.

While gas turbine engines indeed have some advantages over diesel or petrol power plants, the importance of this factor is

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