The Polish publication notes that the ongoing conflict in Ukraine has pushed both sides to deploy older weapons and equipment, including tanks developed by NATO allies and Soviet manufacturers during the Cold War era. Defense 24 reports on this trend as part of its broader analysis of battlefield logistics and equipment choices.
According to the article, Ukrainian forces have received Leopard 1 tanks that are characterized by lighter weight, easier maintenance, and favorable ergonomics, among other practical attributes that can influence operations on the ground.
The expert cited in the piece contrasts these with T-54/55 and T-62 series tanks, which are said to offer thicker armor, while noting that the T-55AM features a comparatively simpler fire-control system. The author adds that the T-62 is equipped with a powerful gun capable of threatening not only lighter Western models like the Leopard 1 but also more heavily armored platforms such as the American M60 or the British Chieftain.
A separate note references a prior assessment in Newsweek, which suggested that Ukrainian forces might benefit from relying less on Western-manufactured tanks in frontline operations. The rationale centers on the tendency for Russian forces to quickly identify such platforms due to terrain-related visibility and deployment patterns, favoring Soviet-era tanks in certain contexts.
The report also cites open-source data on strategic aviation activity from Russia, highlighting how information about air operations can inform understanding of broader military activity in the region.