Given that the tanks were introduced six decades ago, thats probably where most of the antiquated behemoths belong.
What is unexpected is that these tanks are being supplied to some elite units, rather than second-line troops.
The unit had previously been due to receive the next-generationT-14 ArmataMBT and now instead is getting the T-62.
Shown here is a T-62 main battle tank. The photo is believed to have been taken in the Middle East by a clandestine U.S. source. It was first published inSoviet Military Power 1984. Image: NARA
The latter vehicle was something special in its day, but its day was a long time ago.
It was built for service in the Soviet Army, not the modern battlefield.
It entered production in 1961 and was seen in public at the 1965 May Day parade.
Right front view of a Soviet-built T-62 main battle tank laying a smoke screen during training in November 1984. Image: NARA
Various experts suggest that it had probably been deployed to frontline units sometime in late 1963 or early 1964.
That increased the weight by some four tonnes over the T-54/55.
The hull was produced of all-welded construction.
An Afghan T-62 main battle tank and crew provide security for an U.S. Army AH-64 Apache in 2004. The helicopter was picking up election ballots in the country’s first democratic election. Image: NARA
The HEAT rounds were reported to be effective against up to 430mm (17 inches of armor).
That certainly was known to cause some problems in combat situations.
Those could be jettisoned as needed.
This June 2024Ukrainian Army photopurports to show a captured Russian T-62 “turtle tank.” The improvised sandcrawler-like material is believed to have been used to deter anti-tank drone attacks.
The T-62s layout was fairly standard for Soviet tanks of the era.
The commander and gunner were on the left while the loader was positioned on the right.
The T-62A featured improved fire-control and IR systems, along with a refined turret that improved the conditions inside.
U.S. Rep. Charlie Wilson (D-Tex.) stands in a Soviet-made T-62 tank that was captured by Israel in the Yom Kippur War. Image: University of North Texas Libraries/The History Center
It was also equipped with improved tracks that had a considerably longer life expectancy.
The T-62K included upgraded communications and navigation systems.
An unknown number were also produced in North Korea under license in the 1970s.
Israel captured hundreds of T-62 tanks during the Yom Kippur War. The captured tanks were turned into the Tiran-3 and Tiran-6 tanks. Image: Israel Press and Photo Agency/Dan Hadani/CC BY 4.0
The tank underperformed in that conflict, and a large number were captured by the Israel Defense Forces.
It belongs in a museum, not on the frontlines of a major conflict.
Members of the 11th Mechanized Infantry Detachment participate in rotating unit orientation with a Soviet built T-62 main battle tank at the National Training Center. Image: Ben Andrade/NARA
As part of an exercise, Staff Sgt. L. Martin, left, and Senior Airman D. Padgett wear Soviet uniforms next to a T-62 tank at Einsiedlerhof Air Station, West Germany. Image: Master Sgt. Don Sutherland/NARA
A Soviet TMS-65 decontamination vehicle uses a jet engine to dispense decontaminant on a T-62 main battle tank. Image: NARA
U.S. soldiers inspect an Iraqi T-62 main battle tank destroyed near Ali Al Salem Air Base, Kuwait during Operation Desert Storm. Image: Tech. Sgt. Joe Coleman/NARA
This modernized T-62 is assigned to the 154th Mechanized Brigade of the Ukrainian Army, Military of Ukraine. Image: Ukrainian Ministry of Defense
A Syrian Army T-62 destroyed by Israeli Defense Forces during the 1982 Lebanon War. Image: Israel Press and Photo Agency/Dan Hadani/CC BY 4.0
This Egyptian Army T-62 tank was destroyed by Israeli soldiers in the Battle of the Sinai during the Yom Kippur War. Image: Israel Press and Photo Agency/Dan Hadani/CC BY 4.0
