Russian tanks are stuck in the mud. Is it an engineering slip-up or a standard?

During an exercise near the border with Ukraine, about a dozen of Russia’s main battle tanks fell victim to … mud. A video has appeared on the network that shows the rescue operation with the use of an excavator. This one has probably already ended, leaving the question – is it normal for Russian tanks to sink into the mud?

Why are Russian tanks stuck in the mud? Contrary to appearances, this is nothing new for tankers

The mentioned tanks are clearly the backbone of Russian armored units, because the recording shows mainly the T-72B3, i.e. the latest variants of the T-72, which were modernized in 2010 to improve their firepower, fire control systems, protection and replacement of engines with new ones 1130 horsepower. So is there something missing that will protect them from a rather embarrassing mishap?

Modern tanks have wider and longer trapezoidal tracks for a reason, and also have a higher ground clearance than WWII designs. These two features were introduced precisely to protect them from such situations, but even with these improvements, tanks are not immune to getting stuck in the mud from time to time.

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This means that while the news of how Russian tanks are stuck in the mud may ridicule the country’s armed forces, it is actually not surprising. The problem of too much pressure exerted by the tank on the ground has always tormented these several dozen-ton colossi, and it does not seem that it will change. Therefore, when powerful engines and impressive tracks are not enough, support vehicles must step in.