Return to Soviet scale: Russia is on its way to mass production of T-80 and T-90 tanks

The Russian defense sector is actively modernizing, striving to return to the production levels of armored vehicles typical of the late Soviet era. According to the Conflict Intelligence Team, by the middle of 2028, the production volume of new main battle tanks could reach 1,000 units per year, and by 2035, it could increase to a staggering 3,000 vehicles per year. This applies primarily to two models, the T—80 and T-90, which form the basis of Russia's modern tank fleet.

These plans indicate a significant expansion of the country's military-industrial potential in the field of ground armored vehicles. Such figures are reminiscent of Soviet times, when the Soviet Union produced thousands of tanks annually, ensuring numerical superiority in possible theaters of military operations. Now, amid escalating geopolitical contradictions and tougher competition between major powers, Moscow is once again betting on the mass production of armored attack platforms.

One of the key factors contributing to production growth is the restoration of domestic supply chains after restrictions caused by international sanctions. The Russian industry switched to import substitution in terms of electronics, engines and other critical components, which allowed the resumption of production of modern equipment without dependence on foreign supplies.

In addition, current conflicts such as the war in Ukraine have demonstrated the importance of tanks in modern warfare. Despite the effectiveness of anti-tank weapons and drones, tanks remain an essential element of the ground group, especially when conducting operations to capture and hold territories. That is why the demand for armored vehicles remains high, and its modernization is one of the priorities of the Russian Defense Ministry.

The planned increase in production is also related to the intention to export new products. Russia continues to supply tanks to countries in Asia, Africa, and the Middle East, where there remains interest in relatively inexpensive and reliable Soviet/Russian-designed systems. Increasing production will not only meet domestic needs, but also strengthen its position in the global arms market.

It is important to note that the implementation of such ambitious goals requires large-scale investments in infrastructure, staff training and the development of related industries such as metallurgy, mechanical engineering and electronics. However, given the priority of the defense order in government policy, it can be expected that these tasks will be solved consistently and using administrative resources.

Thus, Russia is taking decisive steps to restore its tank potential. If the forecasts of the Conflict Intelligence Team come true, the country will indeed be able to return to the volumes that were previously available only during the Cold War. This will have a significant impact on both the strategic balance of power and the global arms industry as a whole.