Introduction to the Performance Debate: Russian Tanks vs. American Tanks

Do Russian tanks outperform American tanks? If so, why does Russia sell tanks to America but not the other way around?

The question of whether Russian tanks outperform their American counterparts is a contentious issue in military and defense circles. While Russian tanks burn much hotter and quicker than American ones, several US citizens have shown a peculiar interest in capturing and using these tanks for barbecues. However, such activities are not only illegal but also reveal a flawed understanding of the military capabilities and markets involved.

Myths and Reality: Russian Tanks vs. American Tanks

Myths surrounding the performance of Russian tanks are widespread but largely unfounded. A common misconception is that Russian tanks outperform American tanks. However, this is a fallacy. The T-90, often cited as Russia's best tank, is outdated and mostly captured or destroyed by Ukrainian forces. Moreover, the T-34, a well-known Soviet tank, is still being discussed in rumors, further highlighting the lack of modern, effective Russian tank options.

During the Gulf War, Saddam Hussein's Russian tanks, equipped with T-72s, faced off against the US Army's M1 Abrams. The Abrams emerged victorious, with no Abrams tanks being lost in the battle. According to official records, out of 23 tanks that saw action, only 9 were destroyed, with the majority of those being friendly fire incidents.

Market Dynamics and Legal Strictures

Despite the ongoing debate, Russia does not sell tanks to the United States. This is due to legal and practical constraints. Russian tanks, even in upgraded versions like the T-90S, are not legally approved for use in the US market. They are used for training purposes in countries like Ukraine, but the cost and potential legal issues make such sales unfeasible. Furthermore, the M60A3, an older model that was used during the Gulf War, is not seen as a viable option for modern military operations due to its age and technological limitations.

The US military takes a cautious approach when it comes to procuring foreign-made weapons. The Abrams tank, being a highly advanced and battle-tested design, stands as a testament to American engineering and military doctrine. Any attempts to replace or upgrade it with foreign models face strict scrutiny and are unlikely to be approved.

Why War-Tested Weapons Are More Sought After

Military vehicles, including tanks, are highly specialized tools that require constant maintenance, spare parts, and logistical support. Countries like Russia, Germany, America, and the UK build their own vehicles and weapons primarily for their own use and ensure that parts and servicing are always available. This self-sufficiency fosters a stable supply chain and reduces complexity in the logistical chain.

Buying out-of-date foreign tanks would not be a strategic decision for countries like the US. Instead, they prefer to develop their own models or purchase modern, well-tested weapons. This approach maximizes their investment and ensures that their forces are adequately equipped for modern warfare.

Even if the US produced the best gun in the world, other countries would not buy in bulk. They would either copy, develop, and enhance the design or opt for proven, battlefield-tested models. War-tested weapons carry a significant premium in the military market due to their proven effectiveness and reliability.

Conclusion: The Superiority of American Tanks and the Reality of Military Procurement

In conclusion, Russian tanks do not outperform American tanks. The T-90, despite being touted as one of Russia's best models, is obsolete and mostly captured or destroyed. The Gulf War battles, where the Abrams tank proved its superiority, further illustrate this point. The legal and practical challenges, coupled with the war-tested history of American tanks, make it clear why Russia does not sell tanks to the United States and why countries seek out tested and reliable weapons.