Detailed Inspection of the 22nd Russian Tank Storage Base
The ongoing decline of Russian military assets, particularly tanks, has spurred interest in analyzing historical and contemporary military storage bases. This article delves into the specifics of the 22nd Russian Tank Storage Base, highlighting its historical significance and the remarkable drop in military equipment over recent years.
The 22nd Central Tank Storage Base is noteworthy as the first site inspected by the United States under the CFE Treaty (Treaty on Conventional Armed Forces in Europe). Signed in 1990, the treaty aimed to limit the number of conventional military equipment held in Europe by both NATO and the Warsaw Pact. However, the political landscape had dramatically changed by the time inspections began in 1992, following the dissolution of the Soviet Union.
The U.S. inspection team arrived at the base in July 1992, armed with extensive briefings, maps, and intelligence reports to ensure compliance with the treaty stipulations. They faced the strange paradox of inspecting military equipment that had been built to fight against them while simultaneously hoping to foster a relationship of trust in the newly defined post-Cold War climate. Interestingly, the Russian officials presented figures during this inspection that vastly contradicted previously declared numbers. While in 1991, Russia had reported zero tanks and only 31 armored combat vehicles at the site, the inspection indicated the presence of nearly 1,000 tanks and over 300 armored combat vehicles (ACVs).
The inspection was fraught with challenges that underscored the chaotic state of the Russian military during this period. The U.S. team learned valuable lessons about conducting such inspections, including methods for counting vehicles and comparing numbers. A notable observation was the minor discrepancies in tank counts—off by only two tanks and one ACV—which the teams accepted as close enough. This approach mirrors contemporary assessments of military assets, where minor variations are often deemed acceptable unless a significant gap is identified.
Fast forward to September 2023, a stark contrast is visible in the current state of the 22nd Tank Storage Base compared to its extensive past. As of the latest review, the base houses only 102 tanks, a significant decline from the pre-war figure of 764 tanks. This decline in assets is evident from contrasting counts from different years, illustrating a dramatic reduction in operational capability. Furthermore, satellite imagery reveals that tanks are being systematically removed, with vehicles being loaded onto rail cars for transport elsewhere.
The south section of the base, previously home to 338 T-80s, now boasts merely 78 tanks, suggesting a pattern of gradual but steady attrition. Although some tanks may be hidden within garages, the expectation is low given the trends observed over recent years.
Decline of Additional Military Vehicles
Beyond tanks, the base once contained an array of armored fighting vehicles, numbering approximately 1,350 before the conflict began. The current total has plummeted to just six identifiable vehicles, reflecting less than 45% of the original inventory. Images and assessments indicate that half of the remaining vehicles may not be operational, leading to a more conservative estimation of usable armored units closer to 300.
As it stands, the 22nd Tank Storage Base appears to be on a trajectory toward abandonment, with significant portions already emptied and constructed barriers indicating a lack of future military use. Historical precedents exist, with several Russian storage bases seeing similar fates due to the post-Soviet decline and the current military reevaluation following losses experienced in Ukraine. The situation at the 22nd raises contemplation about the strategic relevance of such bases in the modern era of Russian military doctrine, especially with the apparent reduction in necessity for extensive tank storage locations.
The examination of the 22nd Tank Storage Base reflects a transformative period in military history, marked by substantial equipment loss and an evolving geopolitical landscape. The stark reduction in military assets not only illustrates the dynamics of contemporary warfare but also encapsulates the challenges Russia faces as it navigates a post-conflict reality. As the situation unfolds, the future of such military installations remains uncertain, hinting at broader implications for Russia's military strategy and capabilities.
Part 1/8:
Detailed Inspection of the 22nd Russian Tank Storage Base
The ongoing decline of Russian military assets, particularly tanks, has spurred interest in analyzing historical and contemporary military storage bases. This article delves into the specifics of the 22nd Russian Tank Storage Base, highlighting its historical significance and the remarkable drop in military equipment over recent years.
Historical Significance of the Base
Part 2/8:
The 22nd Central Tank Storage Base is noteworthy as the first site inspected by the United States under the CFE Treaty (Treaty on Conventional Armed Forces in Europe). Signed in 1990, the treaty aimed to limit the number of conventional military equipment held in Europe by both NATO and the Warsaw Pact. However, the political landscape had dramatically changed by the time inspections began in 1992, following the dissolution of the Soviet Union.
Part 3/8:
The U.S. inspection team arrived at the base in July 1992, armed with extensive briefings, maps, and intelligence reports to ensure compliance with the treaty stipulations. They faced the strange paradox of inspecting military equipment that had been built to fight against them while simultaneously hoping to foster a relationship of trust in the newly defined post-Cold War climate. Interestingly, the Russian officials presented figures during this inspection that vastly contradicted previously declared numbers. While in 1991, Russia had reported zero tanks and only 31 armored combat vehicles at the site, the inspection indicated the presence of nearly 1,000 tanks and over 300 armored combat vehicles (ACVs).
Compliance Challenges during Inspection
Part 4/8:
The inspection was fraught with challenges that underscored the chaotic state of the Russian military during this period. The U.S. team learned valuable lessons about conducting such inspections, including methods for counting vehicles and comparing numbers. A notable observation was the minor discrepancies in tank counts—off by only two tanks and one ACV—which the teams accepted as close enough. This approach mirrors contemporary assessments of military assets, where minor variations are often deemed acceptable unless a significant gap is identified.
Current Status of the Base
Part 5/8:
Fast forward to September 2023, a stark contrast is visible in the current state of the 22nd Tank Storage Base compared to its extensive past. As of the latest review, the base houses only 102 tanks, a significant decline from the pre-war figure of 764 tanks. This decline in assets is evident from contrasting counts from different years, illustrating a dramatic reduction in operational capability. Furthermore, satellite imagery reveals that tanks are being systematically removed, with vehicles being loaded onto rail cars for transport elsewhere.
Part 6/8:
The south section of the base, previously home to 338 T-80s, now boasts merely 78 tanks, suggesting a pattern of gradual but steady attrition. Although some tanks may be hidden within garages, the expectation is low given the trends observed over recent years.
Decline of Additional Military Vehicles
Beyond tanks, the base once contained an array of armored fighting vehicles, numbering approximately 1,350 before the conflict began. The current total has plummeted to just six identifiable vehicles, reflecting less than 45% of the original inventory. Images and assessments indicate that half of the remaining vehicles may not be operational, leading to a more conservative estimation of usable armored units closer to 300.
Potential Future of the Base
Part 7/8:
As it stands, the 22nd Tank Storage Base appears to be on a trajectory toward abandonment, with significant portions already emptied and constructed barriers indicating a lack of future military use. Historical precedents exist, with several Russian storage bases seeing similar fates due to the post-Soviet decline and the current military reevaluation following losses experienced in Ukraine. The situation at the 22nd raises contemplation about the strategic relevance of such bases in the modern era of Russian military doctrine, especially with the apparent reduction in necessity for extensive tank storage locations.
Conclusion
Part 8/8:
The examination of the 22nd Tank Storage Base reflects a transformative period in military history, marked by substantial equipment loss and an evolving geopolitical landscape. The stark reduction in military assets not only illustrates the dynamics of contemporary warfare but also encapsulates the challenges Russia faces as it navigates a post-conflict reality. As the situation unfolds, the future of such military installations remains uncertain, hinting at broader implications for Russia's military strategy and capabilities.