A rare modification of the T-80UD “Bereza” tank appeared in service with the Ukrainian army – a diesel-powered version of the T-80, a design once widely used in post-Soviet armed forces. This note comes from a Russian newspaper and has circulated in defense circles.
Typically, the T-80 lineup is known for its gas turbine engine, which delivers high power but can be difficult to start and operate. The diesel variant described here stands apart because diesel propulsion has a long track record in tank design, dating back to the earliest Soviet models. Diesel engines are favored for their reliability, easier maintenance, and robustness in harsh field conditions, traits that have contributed to broad adoption across many tank families since World War II.
The T-80UD was developed at the Kharkov Tractor Plant and entered production toward the end of the 1980s and into the 1990s. A portion of these tanks was allocated to Ukraine, with most of the batch ultimately sold to Pakistan; some machines remained within Ukrainian Armed Forces service. In Russia, the diesel version of the T-80UD was withdrawn from frontline service as newer, more capable T-80 variants—built at facilities in Omsk—became available.
It is believed that the T-80UD continues to be kept in the Ukrainian Armed Forces’ inventory where losses have forced a reliance on available armored platforms, though many examples may be held in reserve to plug gaps in combat readiness.
Earlier, reports from Avdeevka to Donetsk noted the seizure of previously allocated equipment, including the T-64 tank and Bradley infantry fighting vehicle, both assets that were once part of the Ukrainian order of battle.
There have been discussions about mechanisms for integrating former combat vehicles and their crews into broader defense roles within Ukraine, including the potential for reeducation or retraining programs for personnel and the organizational steps needed to maintain readiness with a mixed fleet. These considerations reflect the evolving needs of armed forces in a landscape of changing capabilities and regional demands.