Ukraine's 35th Marine Brigade announced the destruction of Russian tanks after conducting "successful" aerial reconnaissance and artillery strikes.
Images from a video posted on April 22 show a T-80 tank on fire after being hit by Ukrainian forces.
Ukrainian Marines raid and destroy Russian T-80 "silent killer" (Source: Newsweek)
It is unclear where the video was filmed, but in an earlier update, Ukraine's 35th Marine Brigade said it had "destroyed enemy equipment and personnel on the approach to Vugledar" - a city in the western Donetsk region of eastern Ukraine.
Fighting is ongoing between Russian and Ukrainian forces for control of Vugledar, a town of around 15,000 before the conflict. Vugledar is about 150km south of the flashpoint Bakhmut, where months of fighting have resulted in heavy losses on both sides.
During the military campaign in Ukraine, in addition to modern tank models such as the T-90, Russia also sent T-80 tanks to the Ukrainian battlefield. The T-80 runs on a gas turbine, helping it reach a maximum speed of 70km/h. This is the main battle tank line that Russia inherited after the collapse of the Soviet Union.
Compared to other diesel tanks, the T-80 has an incredibly fast start-up time, especially in cold weather. For example, a diesel tank can take 45 minutes to start its engine in -30 degrees Celsius European winters. The gas turbine in the T-80 engine can do this in just a few minutes.
Russian T-80 tank (Photo: Wikipedia).
The T-80's outstanding feature is its ability to operate in a variety of conditions, which has helped it remain popular with Russia even after more than 20 years in service. Thanks to its improved gas turbine engine compared to the T-72 and even the T-90, the T-80 is said to perform much better in sub-zero temperatures in Europe.
The T-80 was designed primarily to attack enemy armored vehicles, troops, fortifications, and low-flying helicopters in all weathers and at any time of day. It is one of the most maneuverable tanks ever built by the Soviet Union, combined with its low noise level. As a result, the T-80 has been called the "silent killer".
The T-80's advanced fire control system and 125mm 2A46M smoothbore main gun ensure destruction of the target with the first shot, whether the enemy vehicle is moving or stationary. The T-80's cockpit is also said to be significantly warmer and more comfortable for soldiers who have to sit for long periods in harsh weather conditions. The T-80 has extensive protection, with integrated explosive reactive armor (ERA) that can withstand direct hits.
According to the latest figures from the Ukrainian armed forces, 3,675 Russian tanks have been destroyed since the conflict began in February last year, while the Russian Defense Ministry claims its military has destroyed 8,809 Ukrainian tanks.
The Ukrainian military has repeatedly released videos showing Russian tanks being targeted. Many Western analysts believe that Russia has suffered heavy tank losses due to Ukrainian fire.
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