T-64

Design studies for a new main battle tank commenced in the early 1950s, leading to prototype testing towards the end of that decade. These early efforts explored innovations such as compact engine designs and novel suspension systems. However, these initial concepts did not demonstrate a sufficient advantage over existing vehicles. Further development, incorporating features like advanced armour and a more potent main armament on a medium tank chassis, culminated in a refined design. This new vehicle entered production in the early 1960s and was formally accepted into Soviet military service in the mid-1960s, marking the arrival of a new generation of armoured fighting vehicles, which were publicly revealed in 1970.

The vehicle was a significant technological step, introducing an array of advanced features for its time. It was distinguished by its use of composite armour, a compact powerplant and transmission, and a large-caliber smoothbore main gun complemented by an automatic loader. This autoloader permitted a reduction in crew size to three individuals: commander, gunner, and driver. Despite possessing armament and protection comparable to a heavy tank, its combat weight was notably low, around 38 tonnes. The tank pioneered the use of an autoloader for its main gun in Soviet designs and, in later variants, introduced the capability to fire guided missiles through the gun barrel. Subsequent modernizations, particularly in Ukraine, incorporated enhanced reactive armour, upgraded fire control systems with thermal imaging, improved engines, and advanced communication and navigation equipment. While the powerplant offered high performance in a small package, it was known for being mechanically complex and demanding to maintain. The suspension provided good mobility, though early versions experienced reliability issues.

Initially deployed with elite Soviet military units stationed in strategically important regions such as East Germany during the 1970s, this tank was considered a high-technology asset and was not exported during the Soviet era. It was intended to equip formations tasked with critical missions in the event of a major European conflict. Following the dissolution of the Soviet Union, these tanks remained in the inventories of several successor states. The T-64 saw its first combat use in the Transnistria War in 1992. Subsequently, it has been extensively utilized in the War in Donbas since 2014 and the full-scale Russian invasion of Ukraine from 2022, employed by both Ukrainian forces, for whom it has become a key modernized asset, and Russian-backed separatist forces. Additionally, limited numbers were reportedly used in the Angolan Civil War and supplied to the Democratic Republic of the Congo.

Belarus • Congo Democratic Republic • Kazakhstan • Mali • Russia • Ukraine • Uzbekistan