Russia is well-known for its impressive arsenal of artillery and tanks. The country focuses on production over technological advances, resulting in vast numbers of simple and affordable tanks. This strategy produces an effective and overwhelming force during large-scale battles. However, Russian tanks also lack the advanced technology of many other modern weapons. (These are the countries with the most tanks.)
This vulnerability has proved difficult for Russia during its 2022 invasion and ongoing war in Ukraine, as the country has lost thousands of its tanks in just the past two years. Russia has even pulled from decades-old stockpiles, deploying refurbished Cold War tanks like the T-54, T-62, and MT-12 Rapira. Newer models like the T-14 Armata, recently introduced in 2016, are currently used on the battlefield rather than in direct assaults.
Despite its potential drawbacks, Russia’s T-14 Armata showcases impressive firepower. Its 125mm smoothbore main gun can launch both conventional munitions and anti-tank guided missiles. In addition, 12.7mm and 7.62mm machine guns with the potential for a 30mm autocannon provide plenty of additional firepower. (These are 20 wars Russia has fought since 1917.)
To determine Russia’s oldest and newest modern tanks and artillery, 24/7 Wall St. reviewed a catalog of Russian military vehicles from Military Factory, an online database of arms, vehicles, and aircraft. We organized this information chronologically to identify the oldest and newest models. We also incorporated details from Military Factory regarding the year each was introduced, its type and top speed, how many units were produced, and included armament.
Why We’re Covering This
Source: Константин Алыш (Konstantin Alysh) / CC BY 4.0 DEED / Wikimedia Commons
Tanks have played a significant role in global warfare for over 100 years. Even with modern innovations and new technologies, tanks still play an important role today, particularly in Russia’s recent war with Ukraine. Understanding the strengths and weaknesses of each country’s military equipment provides insights into this ongoing conflict.
Here is a look at the tanks and artillery of the modern Russian military:
43. KS-19
The KS-19 is a 100mm towed anti-aircraft gun. Since it relies on a towing vehicle, it does not have a top speed of its own. It was introduced in 1950 with 5,000 units produced. Its main armament is a 100mm gun.
42. MT-12 / 2A19 (Rapira)
The MT-12 / 2A19 (Rapira) is a 100mm towed anti-tank gun. Since it relies on a towing vehicle, it does not have a top speed of its own. It was introduced in 1955 with 7,500 units produced. Its main armament is a 100mm gun.
41. T-55
The T-55 is a main battle tank with a top speed of 31 mph. It was introduced in 1958 with 50,000 units produced. Its main armaments include a 100mm D-10 rifled main gun, a 7.62mm machine gun, and a 12.7mm anti-aircraft machine gun.
40. T-62
The T-62 is a main battle tank with a top speed of 28 mph. It was introduced in 1961 with 22,750 units produced. Its main armaments include a 115mm smoothbore main gun, a 12.7mm DShKM anti-aircraft machine gun, and a 7.62mm machine gun.
39. D-30 / 2A18
Source: Public Domain / Wikimedia Commons
The D-30 / 2A18 is a 122mm towed field howitzer. Since it relies on a towing vehicle, it does not have a top speed of its own. It was introduced in 1963 with 12,000 units produced. Its main armament is a 122mm main gun.
38. BM-21 (Grad)
Source: jacobsroom / Flickr
The BM-21 (Grad) is a multiple launch rocket system (MLRS) with a top speed of 47 mph. It was introduced in 1964 with 4,000 units produced. Its main armaments are 122mm rocket launcher tubes.
37. 9K52 Luna-M (Frog-7)
The 9K52 Luna-M (Frog-7) is an 8×8 mobile battlefield rocket launcher with a top speed of 40 mph. It was introduced in 1965 with 3,000 units produced. Its main armament is a tactical battlefield rocket with a conventional, chemical, or nuclear warhead/payload.
36. ZSU-23-4 (Shilka)
The ZSU-23-4 (Shilka) is a self-propelled anti-aircraft gun with a top speed of 31 mph. It was introduced in 1965 with 6,500 units produced. Its main armaments are 23mm AZP-23 automatic cannons and SA-16 or SA-18 surface-to-air missiles.
35. T-64
The T-64 is a main battle tank with a top speed of 43 mph. It was introduced in 1966 with 13,000 units produced. Its main armaments include a 125mm D-81T smoothbore main gun, a 12.7mm anti-aircraft machine gun, and a 7.62mm machine gun.
34. M-240
Source: Public Domain / Wikimedia Commons
The M-240 is a heavy-class mortar system. Since it relies on a towing vehicle, it does not have a top speed of its own. It was introduced in 1970 with 1,500 units produced. Its main armament is a 240mm caliber mortar.
33. SA-6 / 2K12 (Gainful / Kub)
The SA-6 / 2K12 (Gainful / Kub) is a surface-to-air missile system with a top speed of 40 mph. It was introduced in 1970 with 500 units produced. Its main armaments are 9M336 medium-range guided missiles.
32. 2S3 Akatsiya (SO-152) / (M1973)
The 2S3 Akatsiya (SO-152) / (M1973) is a 152mm self-propelled artillery with a top speed of 39 mph. It was introduced in 1971 with 4,093 units produced. Its main armaments include a 152mm D-series howitzer, a 7.62mm anti-aircraft machine gun, and smoke grenade dischargers.
31. 2S1 Gvozdika (M1974)
Source: peer_gynt / Flickr
The 2S1 Gvozdika (M1974) is a 122mm self-propelled artillery with a top speed of 38 mph. It was introduced in 1972 with 10,100 units produced. Its main armament is a 122mm 2A18 gun barrel.
30. SA-8 (Gecko) / 9K33 OSA
The SA-8 (Gecko) / 9K33 OSA is a surface-to-air missile system with a top speed of 50 mph. It was introduced in 1972 with 1,735 units produced. Its main armaments are 9M33 surface-to-air missiles.
29. T-72 (Ural)
The T-72 (Ural) is a main battle tank with a top speed of 42 mph. It was introduced in 1972 with 25,000 units produced. Its main armaments include a 125mm smoothbore main gun, a 12.7mm anti-aircraft machine gun, a 7.62mm machine gun, and smoke grenade dischargers.
28. 2A36 Giatsint-B (Hyacinth)
The 2A36 Giatsint-B (Hyacinth) is a 152mm towed field gun. Since it relies on a towing vehicle, it does not have a top speed of its own. It was introduced in 1975 with 4,000 units produced. Its main armament is a 152mm gun.
27. 2S4 / SM-240 Tyulpan
The 2S4 / SM-240 Tyulpan is a self-propelled mortar with a top speed of 28 mph. It was introduced in 1975 with 435 units produced. Its main armaments include 240mm Perm Machine Construction Works 2B8 mortar and a 7.62mm PKT general purpose machine gun.
26. BM-27 (Uragan / 9P140)
The BM-27 (Uragan / 9P140) is a multiple launch rocket system (MLRS) with a top speed of 40 mph. It was introduced in 1975 with 1,500 units produced. Its main armaments are 220mm rockets in self-contained tubes.
25. 2S7 Pion / Malka
Source: Public Domain / Wikimedia Commons
The 2S7 Pion / Malka is a 203mm tracked self-propelled howitzer with a top speed of 31 mph. It was introduced in 1976 with 1,000 units produced. Its main armament is a 203mm gun.
24. SS-21 (Scarab) OTR-21 Tochka
The SS-21 (Scarab) OTR-21 Tochka is a ballistic missile launcher vehicle with a top speed of 47 mph. It was introduced in 1976 with 2,000 units produced. Its main armament is a ballistic missile capable of HE, FRAG, or nuclear/biological warhead types.
23. T-80 (MBT)
The T-80 (MBT) is a main battle tank with a top speed of 43 mph. It was introduced in 1976 with 5,5000 units produced. Its main armaments include a 125mm main gun, a 12.7mm machine gun, a 7.62mm machine gun, and smoke grenade dischargers.
22. 2S5 Giatsint-S (Hyacinth)
The 2S5 Giatsint-S (Hyacinth) is a self-propelled artillery vehicle with a top speed of 39 mph. It was introduced in 1978 with 1,330 units produced. Its main armaments include a 152mm main gun and a 7.62mm anti-aircraft machine gun.
21. SA-10 (Grumble) / S-300
The SA-10 (Grumble) / S-300 is an anti-aircraft mobile defense system with a top speed of 38 mph. It was introduced in 1978 with 3,000 units produced. Its main armaments are S-300 long-range surface-to-air missiles.
20. SA-11 (Gadfly) / 9K37 Buk
The SA-11 (Gadfly) / 9K37 Buk is a surface-to-air missile system with a top speed of 38 mph. It was introduced in 1979 with 650 units produced. Its main armaments are Gadfly or Grizzly surface-to-air missiles.
19. SA-13 (Gopher) / 9K35 Strela-10
The SA-13 (Gopher) / 9K35 Strela-10 is a surface-to-air missile system with a top speed of 38 mph. It was introduced in 1979 with 1,000 units produced. Its main armaments are Grail or Gremlin surface-to-air missiles.
18. 2S9 Nona
Source: peer_gynt / Flickr
The 2S9 Nona is a self-propelled artillery vehicle with a top speed of 50 mph. It was introduced in 1981 with 1,050 units produced. Its main armaments include 120mm 2A60 mortar, a 7.62mm coaxial machine gun, and smoke grenade dischargers.
17. SA-19 (Grisom) / 2K22 Tunguska
The SA-19 (Grisom) / 2K22 Tunguska is a self-propelled air defense system with a top speed of 40 mph. It was introduced in 1982 with 600 units produced. Its main armaments include 30mm autocannons and SA-19 surface-to-air missiles.
16. SS-25 / SS-27 / RT-2PM (Sickle / Topol)
The SS-25 / SS-27 / RT-2PM (Sickle / Topol) is a mobile intercontinental ballistic missile carrier vehicle with a top speed of 40 mph. It was introduced in 1985 with 100 units produced. Its main armament is an intercontinental ballistic missile.
15. SA-15 (Gauntlet) / 9K330 Tor
The SA-15 (Gauntlet) / 9K330 Tor is a surface-to-air missile system with a top speed of 40 mph. It was introduced in 1986 with 550 units produced. Its main armaments are 9M330 surface-to-air missiles.
14. 2A65 MSTA-B
The 2A65 MSTA-B is a 152mm towed howitzer. Since it relies on a towing vehicle, it does not have a top speed of its own. It was introduced in 1987 with 3,000 units produced. Its main armament is a 152mm gun.
13. SA-12 (Gladiator / Giant) / S-300V
The SA-12 (Gladiator / Giant) / S-300V is a surface-to-air missile system with a top speed of 40 mph. It was introduced in 1988 with 600 units produced. Its main armaments are Gladiator surface-to-air missiles.
12. TOS-1 (TOC-1)
Source: Kirill Borisenko / Wikimedia Commons
The TOS-1 (TOC-1) is a multiple launch rocket system (MLRS) with a top speed of 37 mph. It was introduced in 1988 with 650 units produced. Its main armament is a 220mm rocket launcher pack.
11. 2S19 MSTA
The 2S19 MSTA is a self-propelled artillery vehicle with a top speed of 37 mph. It was introduced in 1989 with 1,000 units produced. Its main armaments include a 152mm 2A64 howitzer main gun, a 12.7mm anti-aircraft heavy machine gun, and smoke grenade dischargers.
10. BM-30 (Smerch) / 9A52-2
Source: Public Domain / Wikimedia Commons
The BM-30 (Smerch) / 9A52-2 is a multiple launch rocket system (MLRS) with a top speed of 37 mph. It was introduced in 1989 with 550 units produced. Its main armaments are 300mm 9M55 or 9M528 rockets.
9. T-90
The T-90 is a main battle tank with a top speed of 40 mph. It was introduced in 1995 with 2,055 units produced. Its main armaments include a 125mm smoothbore main gun, a 12.7mm anti-aircraft machine gun, a 7.62mm coaxial machine gun, and smoke grenade dischargers.
8. 2S34 Chosta
Source: Public Domain / Flickr
The 2S34 Chosta is a self-propelled howitzer with a top speed of 37 mph. It was introduced in 2003 with 30 units produced. Its main armaments include a 120mm 2A80 main gun, a 12.7mm anti-aircraft machine gun, and smoke grenade dischargers.
7. SA-22 (Greyhound) / Pantsir-S1
The SA-22 (Greyhound) / Pantsir-S1 is a self-propelled anti-aircraft system with a top speed of 50 mph. It was introduced in 2003 with 32 units produced. Its main armaments include 57E6 surface-to-air missiles and 30mm 2A38M automatic cannons.
6. SS-26 (Stone) / 9K720 Iskander
The SS-26 (Stone) / 9K720 Iskander is a mobile short-range battlefield missile launcher with a top speed of 47 mph. It was introduced in 2006 with 250 units produced. Its main armaments are Iskander-M or Iskander-E missiles.
5. SA-21 (Growler) / S-400 Triumf
The SA-21 (Growler) / S-400 Triumf is a surface-to-air missile system with a top speed of 40 mph. It was introduced in 2007 with 195 units produced. Its main armaments are 40N6 / 48N6 / 9M96 anti-aircraft missiles.
4. 9A52-4 Tornado
The 9A52-4 Tornado is a multiple launch rocket system (MLRS) with a top speed of 56 mph. It was introduced in 2011 with 56 units produced. Its main armaments are 122mm, 220mm, or 300mm rocket launch tubes.
3. KAMAZ Tornado-G
The KAMAZ Tornado-G is a multiple launch rocket system (MLRS) with a top speed of 62 mph. It was introduced in 2014 with 151 units produced. Its main armaments are 122mm rocket launching tubes.
2. T-14 (Armata)
Source: rusm / iStock Unreleased via Getty Images
The T-14 (Armata) is a main battle tank with a top speed of 50 mph. It was introduced in 2016 with 45 units produced. Its main armaments include a 125mm 2A82 smoothbore main gun, a 30mm autocannon, a 12.7mm heavy machine gun, a 7.62mm machine gun, and smoke grenade dischargers.
1. 2S35 Koalitsiya-SV
The 2S35 Koalitsiya-SV is a self-propelled artillery vehicle with a top speed of 37 mph. It was introduced in 2018 with 20 units produced. Its main armaments include a 152mm 2A88 howitzer, a 12.7mm heavy machine gun, and smoke grenade dischargers.
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