Russian plant halts all secondary output, begins tank mass production

The decision of Russia’s largest state-owned arms concern, Rostec, can be considered game-changing, even radical.

Under the umbrella of this company is actually the military industry of the Russian Federation. In a press release to the public, Rostec announced that Uralvagonzavod [UVZ] is suspending any other activity that is part of the company’s portfolio, Bulgarian Military reports.

From today Uralvagonzavod starts production of tanks only. BulgarianMilitary.com recalls that in Nizhny Tagil, where the production power of this plant is, dozens of types of combat vehicles are produced, as well as dozens of types of civilian products, such as trains, passenger rail cars, freight rail cars, metro coaches and metro cars. They will no longer be produced at the Uralvagonzavod, thus 100% of the production capacity of the enterprise will be occupied with the production [no repair, only production] of tanks.

Several enterprises for the development and production of artillery weapons of the Uralvagonzavod concern were transferred to the control of the Tehmash concern, one of the key manufacturers of ammunition.

Consolidation of assets

Here are the changes and which production of Uralvagonzavod begins to be produced everywhere:

• Tehmash seizes the production of artillery systems from the famous plant number 9. Among the key products are howitzers D-30A, as well as guns for tanks T-72 and T-90.
• Uraltransmash seized the production of Msta-S self-propelled howitzers. This plant will also make low-floor trams, oil pumps, and winches for passenger and freight elevators, which until now were made at Uralvagonzavod.
• Burevestnik Central Research Institute will develop and produce mortars and artillery systems, including 2B11, and 2C12 Sani transportable mortars, as well as naval artillery installations. Among the new projects is an uninhabited combat module with a 57-mm gun AU220M “Baikal”.
• The Central Research Institute of Materials (CRIIM) will develop special materials and technologies, including high-strength steels, some of which were developed at Uralvagonzavod until now.

Multi-thousand tank fleet

The consolidation of UVZ assets is completely consistent with what BulgarianMilitary.com has been reporting since the beginning of the year. Namely – Russia is preparing to begin the return of the Soviet concept of a multi-thousand tank fleet.

Several key conclusions can be drawn from such an action, such as: due to the war with Ukraine, Russian production is currently unable to meet the demand for tanks among the Russian army, and, despite the war with Ukraine, Russia can consolidate its assets and increase tank production. Two completely contradictory statements, but because of the situation completely compatible in reality.

The consolidation of assets was hinted at some time ago by Dmitry Medvedev, the Deputy Chairman of the Security Council of Russia. We recall that at the beginning of this year, Mr. Medvedev said that Russia was starting production of 1,600 T-90M Proriv tanks. Back then, BulgarianMilitary.com noted that for this to happen, Uralvagonzavod must work on the production of tanks only. As it is now.

Current production rate

The transfer of plants between Rostec structures will not affect the teams and will not affect civil projects, Rostec says. The purpose of regrouping is to create a unified system.

Consolidation of assets will allow to increase production volumes against the background of increased needs of the army. At the same time, Uralvagonzavod will focus on the production of its main products – tanks.

As of 2021, the company’s monthly tank production capacity is estimated to be around 30-35 units. This production rate has remained relatively stable over the past few years, with minor fluctuations depending on the demand for tanks from the Russian military and other clients.

What tanks are produced at UVZ?

The company produces a wide range of tanks, including the T-72, T-80, T-90, and T-14 Armata. These tanks are designed for different purposes and have different specifications and capabilities.

The T-72 is a main battle tank that was first produced in the 1970s. It has been used in many conflicts around the world and is known for its reliability and ease of maintenance. The T-80 is a more advanced tank that was first produced in the 1980s. It has a more powerful engine and improved armor compared to the T-72.

The T-90 is a further development of the T-72 and T-80 tanks. It has improved armor and a more powerful engine, as well as advanced fire control systems and other features. The T-14 Armata is a new-generation tank that was first introduced in 2015. It has a number of advanced features, including an unmanned turret and a new type of armor.