Why Ukraine Is Upgrading Its Old T-64 Tanks—and Why It Matters More Than It Seems

A Ukrainian T-64 “Bulat” main battle tank has been fitted with a new transmission derived from the BM “Oplot,” significantly improving its battlefield mobility.

According to Defense Express on April 2, Ukrainian servicemen from the 1st Separate Heavy Mechanized Brigade reported that the upgraded vehicle demonstrates improved maneuverability, particularly due to enhanced reverse speed and overall driving performance.

The key modification is the installation of a transmission system originating from the BM “Oplot.” As noted by the crew in comments cited by Defense Express, the upgrade enables a full reverse speed of up to 35 km/h—addressing a long-standing limitation of Soviet-designed tanks, which typically had restricted reverse capabilities.

This improvement allows the tank to withdraw more quickly from positions under threat. The tank has also been equipped with a more powerful engine from the 6TD series, previously used on the T-80UD. While the engine upgrade increases potential speed and performance, crews have not yet fully tested the vehicle’s maximum capabilities in its current configuration.

Visual evidence published by Defense Express indicates the presence of additional survivability enhancements, including a factory-installed anti-drone cage structure and a combination of “Nizh” explosive reactive armor with “Kontakt-1” modules mounted on the sides.

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The upgraded vehicle may be linked to the relatively rare T-64BM2 variant, of which only a limited batch—reportedly around a dozen units—was produced.

These tanks previously underwent modernization efforts between 2020 and 2021, including the integration of the 6TD-1 engine and transmission elements from the T-80UD.

However, Defense Express notes that the external appearance of the vehicle shown in recent footage aligns more closely with the standard “Bulat” configuration, suggesting the possibility that this is a newly upgraded version rather than a previously known BM2 unit.

The designation used by the crew may reflect similarities in mobility upgrades rather than an official classification.

The report by Defense Express highlights that while the modernization appears to have been conducted at the factory level, there is currently no confirmation of a broader remotorization program for the “Bulat” fleet. Limitations in the availability of 6TD-1 engines and funding considerations may constrain the scale of such upgrades.

Earlier, Ukrainian forces created a hybrid armored vehicle by combining a 2S19 Msta-S self-propelled howitzer chassis with a T-72 tank turret, repurposing damaged equipment into a functional combat platform.

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