To improve its armored capabilities in the ongoing conflict in Ukraine, Russia has initiated an extensive modernization program to modernize 800 T-62M and T-62MV tanks, which will be redeployed to the region to replace destroyed T-72, T-80, and T-90 tanks in Ukraine.
According to a video published on Russian social networks, the Russian 103rd Armored Tank Repair Plant is currently modernizing approximately 800 tanks of outdated Soviet T-62M/MV Main Battle Tanks (MBTs). According to open source information, Russia will have more than 2,000 different versions of T-62 tanks in stock.
The new improved T-62 tanks feature new communication systems, a thermal sight, new computerized firing control, and new armor. It will take the same armament as the previous versions of the T-62 tanks consisting of one 115 mm 2A20 smoothbore gun, one coaxial machine, and one 12.7mm heavy machine gun mounted on the commander hatch.
The effective range of the 115mm 2A20 smoothbore cannon used on tanks such as the T-62 and T-55 varies depending on the type of ammunition used and other factors such as terrain and weather conditions. Generally speaking, the maximum effective range of the cannon is approximately 2,000 meters for armor-piercing rounds and up to 5,000 meters for high explosive fragmentation rounds.
The new t-62 is fitted with an improved version of the ERA used on earlier tanks like the T-72 and T-80, with better protection against tandem-charge warheads. The rear side of the turret as well as the rear side of the hull are equipped with wire cage armor. The idea behind wire cage armor is to disrupt the flight path of incoming anti-tank rockets and missiles, causing them to detonate before they can penetrate the tank’s armor.