Russia Deploys Modernized T-62 Tank Blending Soviet Legacy with T-90M Components

A Russian T-62 tank of a previously unseen modification, partially unified with the T-90M tank parts, was spotted at the frontlines. A photo of the new tank was released by the Russian propagandists. In the Luhansk region, in the forests near Kreminna settlement, Russians are using a previously unseen modification of the Soviet T-62 tank, which has received a modernization kit designed to be installed on the most advanced Russian T-90M tanks.

The tank has a metal-ceramic module for additional protection on the upper frontal part. Therefore, we can suppose that this modification is based on the late Soviet T-62M of the early 1980s.

A modernized Russian T-62 (left) and a Soviet-era T-62M

The tank's 115mm gun proves that this is a modernization kit rather than a full-fledged T-90M turret on the chassis of an old Soviet-era tank. Sloppily mounted reactive armor modules on the cast turret, as well as the enormous exposed space between them and the tank hull, support this theory.

The T-62M cast turret was fitted with a Relict ERA kit designed for the T-90 welded turret, which is why it has significant distortions on its right side. The vehicle has received track covers that can also accommodate reactive armor elements.

However, the frontal protection did not receive a reactive armor kit and remained unchanged. The tank's electronics and sighting systems were also significantly modernized. It received a Sosna-U sight with a thermal imaging channel.

However, it is not known whether it is adapted to operate with the ballistic of the U-5TS Molot 115mm gun. Compared to the T-90M, the vehicle lacks a panoramic gunner's sight with twin machine guns and a wind sensor. Technical holes can be seen on the turret for the installation of laser warning sensors, but they are not present.

In general, the tank's modernization looks poor and more like an attempt to improve protection at the level of a repair battalion. However, the installation of a new gunner's sight may indicate that the work was done at a tank factory.

A Soviet T-62 model 1967 tank

The tank's chassis service life and mobility, which were supposed to be significantly reduced due to the heavy armor, are still in question. The tank itself looks more like a prototype than a serial modernization.

This is not the first time that Russia has sent rare armored vehicles to the front because of a shortage in the army.

For example, recently, the trophy Georgian BMP-1U Shkval and a prototype of 2S31 Vena ACS were spotted at the front.