War in Ukraine
T-80 Alyosha – this old Russian tank stopped a Ukrainian column
Now the T-80 is on display in the Patriotic Park near Moscow.
© Telegram
Near Moscow, Putin shows off the most famous tank of the war. An old T-80 confronted a Ukrainian armored group. The entire battle was recorded by drones.
Remote support
A Russian tank fought the most spectacular tank battle of the war. Alyosha, the old T-80 stood alone against a Ukrainian column. Now it is shown near Moscow. In the West, the battle was lost in the reporting; in Russia, the victory of their own tank was probably celebrated in the state media. One thing in advance: This action can hardly be compared with individual acts such as Wittmann’s rampage in Villers-Bocage, because although the T-80 opposed the Ukrainian column alone, it was not alone, but was supported from a distance.
Under the eyes of Russian drones
Because of the poor resolution and the shouting of the observers, it is not that easy to follow what is happening. The crew, commanded by Senior Lieutenant Rasim Baksiko, was awarded the title of “Hero of Russia” for the battle. The Russian agency Tass reports that the T-80 had previously been hit by artillery and the actual driver was injured. The commander decided to take the driver’s place himself in order to stop the column. The entire collision can be seen in longer videos. Both the Ukrainians and the T-80 are driving towards each other at high speed. Since they are separated from each other by rows of trees and groves, they will not be able to see each other. But at least the Russians are warned by the drones. There are nine Ukrainian vehicles in total. Perhaps the Ukrainians noticed the previous hit on the T-80 and its turning to rear positions and wanted to take advantage of this opportunity, not knowing that the Russian tank was undamaged and already on its way back.
Fire with all weapons
In fact, the T-80 does not affect the enemy alone. The observers call for anti-tank missiles, a heavy anti-tank rifle, machine gun fire and the use of automatic grenade launchers. These are not necessarily weapons that can destroy a main battle tank. Especially since the shooter with the anti-tank missiles had no missiles. The Russians follow their standard tactic: They throw everything they have at the armored column. The aim is to damage the sensors, make the enemy’s crews nervous and make it more difficult for the infantry to swarm out. Behind a small forest – called Point 144 – the T-80 positions itself and opens fire. After the first hit he resets and fires again. The first Ukrainian T-64 explodes. The commander gets everything out of the old T80. Unlike other T-models, the T-80 can achieve high speed in reverse. The crew of the T-80 constantly changes position, moves far back into another small forest, hides there and then advances again. In this way they avoid becoming a target for a possible artillery strike by Ukraine. Baksiko himself toned down claims that he and his men had destroyed the entire Ukrainian group. “Videos are being shared saying we destroyed eight tanks. Not really. We destroyed two, and that was with the help of artillery.”
Older Soviet model
The T-80 is an older model that has not been extensively modernized. It is armed with the standard 125 millimeter caliber. A special feature is that it is powered by a gas turbine. Their consumption is much higher than that of diesel engines. But the T-80 is very fast and particularly maneuverable. Off-road it reaches 42 km/h and the climbing ability is 60 percent.
You can find a longer version of the video here Youtube.