Upgraded T-55 main battle tanks key to Afghan ground offensive

[Boota Masih]

Upgraded T-55 main battle tanks(MBTs), recently supplied by Russia to the anti-Taliban United
Front (the so-called Northern Alliance) and manned by veteran crews from the forces of the late Ahmed Shah Massoud, are considered key to any successful
ground offensive in Afghanistan this year.

In October, Russia announced that 40 upgraded
T-55AM MBTs were to be supplied to the United Front. The decision to supply them had been made earlier this year and most, if not all, of the tanks are believed to have been in Afghan hands before 11 September.

The upgraded tanks are readily distinguished from the 1992-vintage T-55s - which make up the bulk of the Northern Alliance's tank force - by their T-80-style commander's windshield on the turret roof. Many Northern Alliance MBTs have been dug-in and used as artillery due to a shortage of fuel and logistic support in recent years.

The 40 T-55AM2s were supplied as part of a large-scale arms-transfer package valued at US$45 million. This also includes up to 80 BMP-1 infantry combat vehicles and several dozen BTR-60 series wheeled armoured personnel carriers.

[SyedA]

I have seen images of these in CNN. I am not sure how upgraded these are since I don't see any armor plating oon these. The frontal part seems pretty much stripped down. Gun and engine pack might be a new one. I think these are move overhauled tanks than upgraded.

It is yet to be see how long these tanks will be in service since Russia is not going to provide spare parts for long. Also, how many shells are provided and whaty kind.

The news mentions that the older tanks were used as artillery pieces since they couldn't move. Now, my question is aren't the tank shells more of a tank buster type than artillery shell. I mean how much these shells can damage. It would be like using a sidewinder missile as a ASM.

[J33Nelson]

A few years ago Syria took delivery of T-55AMs from Russia and placed them near the Golan Heights. Israel was very concerned about these tanks because they were more modern then Syria's fleet of T-72s.

I don't know how these tanks that the NA have received compare to those that Syria bought but I am sure it is more advanced then anything the Taliban can throw against it.

J33Nelson

[SyedA]

Israel would be paranoid even if Russia sold older version of tanks than T-55. Anyway, does anyone have any pictures of these T-55AMs. IF these dont have armored plating then even an RPG can damage these tanks and take them out of action.

Rommel would be a good person to elaborate on these.

[Mohammed Ali]

I think this is the tank they are talking about

http://dailynews.yahoo.com/h/p/ap/20011118/wl/1006097717afghanistan_attacks_afg106.html

http://dailynews.yahoo.com/h/p/nm/20011117/ts/mdf87114.html

[ROMMEL]

The are around 20+ Variant of the T-55 Tank. And till 1983, this tank (as well as the chinese version) was in service in 59 countries of the world, starting from afganistan right up to Yogoslavia.

It is alleged that Russia Provided the NA with T-55AM version of the tank. Compared to the standard T-55, the most notable feature is the 12.7mm AA machine gun. Then there is added BRA armour. The original t-55 has very thin armour and it was vunerable to small caliber RPG fire. Apart from that, the upgraded T-55AM includes improved gun stabilization and sights, improved engine, new radio, and increased protection. That included side skirts, smoke grenade launchers, applique armor, and fire protection. I saw no side skirting on the T-55 that were shown on CNN and FOX. This means that the tanks that were given to afganistan are not really T-55AM in the strictest sence.

According to Janes, the tanks are of AM2 version, this means that they lack the ATGM firing capabilites of the original AM version. ALso, the do not have the Volna FCS. I am not sure if the tanks have any FCS at all.

P.S. I dont think that the yahoo news pics that you guys have posted are that of an upgraded t-55AM. However, the one I am attaching is sure is.

[SyedA]

Rommel

you are correct about absence of the side skirt, wonder what prompted to that design/upgrade spec. Doesn't that make the tank vulnerable?

I think you are right about the FCS also, its not that they need a high quality FCS. tanks in Afghanistan are being used as a SPA than a tank for forward moving force.

I would like to know how was the past tank battle fought in Afghan war with russians and what have PA learnt from it. From the current PA acquistions it seems like tanks have a key role to play in any PA war doctrine.

Pakistan has two sets of MBT in the form of T-80UD and Al-Khalid. Also T-85III are in good numbers, I think aroung 600-800. Can you elaborate where these specific tanks will be used in any future battle with India.

[ROMMEL]

I think that the side skirting are removed for some specific purpose. Probably to reduce the weight of the tank. The afgan terrain is hilly and there are numerous incidents of engine overheating.

Yes you are rite. I dont think that there is any armour attack per se where FCS is used. Wherever I have seen, tanks are placed in fortifications and are moved only when advancing or retreating. In this way, it is not that you get one chance to hit the enemy or get hot urself. So, FCS is not a very critical issue in Afganistan.

If by the previous afgan war, you mean the Soviet invasion. There was no tank battle. There were numerous instances of ruskies BMP and BMD being hit by RPG and mortars from the mujahidden but there was no tank battle.

To the best of my knowledge. The T-80s will be used in the cholistan offensive. The T-85 will be used to counter the Indian Rajhistan Offensive and Al-khaled are replacing the T-59s that that Pakistan Army has.

Cheers,