Panther Division Revives T-55 Tanks in Combat Drills, Sparking Curiosity and Speculation

In a recent show of force, troops from the Indian Army's Panther Division under Western Command conducted integrated combat training exercises that simulated real-world operational scenarios.

This display of military prowess aimed to reinforce professionalism and ensure the division's readiness for potential conflicts. However, what truly caught the attention of online observers was the unexpected presence of T-55 main battle tanks (MBTs) in the drills.

Why the Fuss About the T-55?​

The T-55, a Soviet-era tank, was once a staple of the Indian Army, boasting a force of nearly 700 units after its introduction in 1965. By 2011, these aging warhorses had been relegated to the third line of defense, overshadowed by the newer T-72 and T-90 MBTs. The T-55's phased retirement began shortly thereafter, marking the end of an era for this reliable tank.

Interestingly, in 2017, it was revealed that some older T-55s had found new purpose as fortified bunkers along the Line of Control (LoC). These repurposed tanks, essentially transformed into pillboxes, now leverage their 105mm main guns as mobile artillery pieces.

So, What Does This Mean?​

The inclusion of T-55s in the Panther Division's recent training exercise raises questions about the potential ongoing use of these retired tanks. While the official details remain shrouded in secrecy, there are several possibilities:

• Specialized Roles: The T-55's robust design and powerful main gun might still be valuable in specific scenarios, such as providing fire support in challenging terrain or acting as a mobile reserve force.
• Training Purposes: The T-55 could serve as a cost-effective training platform for tank crews, allowing them to hone their skills and tactics without relying on the more advanced (and expensive) T-72 and T-90 MBTs.
• Psychological Warfare: The mere presence of T-55s in a combat exercise could be a deliberate tactic to create uncertainty and confusion among potential adversaries.

What's Next?​

The Indian Army has not officially commented on the specific role of the T-55s in the recent drills. However, their reappearance underscores the military's commitment to adaptability and resourcefulness.

Whether these tanks are destined for a new lease on life or merely a temporary return to the spotlight, their presence in the exercise is a fascinating reminder of the enduring legacy of the T-55 in India's military history.

Stay Tuned​

As more information emerges about the T-55's role in the Panther Division's training exercise, we will keep you updated. In the meantime, the sight of these iconic tanks rolling across the training grounds has ignited a wave of curiosity and speculation, reminding us that even retired military hardware can still have a part to play in the ever-evolving landscape of modern warfare.

 

[Anant]

If we still have some serviceable T-55s left, why not take a page out of what is happening in Ukraine and potentially convert these venerable tanks into a kind of unmanned self-propelled artillery?

The internal space would be enough to fit an autoloader and associated control systems. Fit those inside, plus add some ERA and cope cages externally, and we can end up with a fairly decent unmanned self-propelled howitzer. In fact, as the T-72 retires, we could look at similar conversions for those as well.

Oh, and if we can make this work and develop a kit of sorts for this that isn't ridiculously expensive, there is massive export potential for such systems. A lot of nations are retiring older tanks, and converting them to UGSPAVs would be a massive boost to them.

 

[Pink Panther]

If we still have some serviceable T-55s left, why not take a page out of what is happening in Ukraine and potentially convert these venerable tanks into a kind of unmanned self-propelled artillery?

The internal space would be enough to fit an autoloader and associated control systems. Fit those inside, plus add some ERA and cope cages externally, and we can end up with a fairly decent unmanned self-propelled howitzer. In fact, as the T-72 retires, we could look at similar conversions for those as well.

Oh, and if we can make this work and develop a kit of sorts for this that isn't ridiculously expensive, there is massive export potential for such systems. A lot of nations are retiring older tanks, and converting them to UGSPAVs would be a massive boost to them.

we can convert them into turtle tanks by installing armor on the roof like the Russians and send them to the frontlines backed by more modern tanks.

 

[Bikramjeet Goswami]

First, the T 55 doesn't have a 105 mm gun, it has a 100 mm gun.
Second, a pillbox is a fixed emplacement. So if a T 55 is being used as such there is no question of it being mobile.

 

[Ravindra Singh]

they will work as dummy targets and will save advance tank. lol

 

[Vijay Kumar]

we can convert them into turtle tanks by installing armor on the roof like the Russians and send them to the frontlines backed by more modern tanks.

THEY WILL BECOME CANNON FODDERS FOR ENEMY

 

[Shanker]

THEY WILL BECOME CANNON FODDERS FOR ENEMY

You can put it in another way too. T 55 can be used as a bait!

 

[Pink Panther]

THEY WILL BECOME CANNON FODDERS FOR ENEMY

Nope they are way too effective, Ukrainians and their donated equipments are the fodders.

 

[Sushil Pradhan]

First, the T 55 doesn't have a 105 mm gun, it has a 100 mm gun.
Second, a pillbox is a fixed emplacement. So if a T 55 is being used as such there is no question of it being mobile.

Wrong, sir. 105 mm in the Indian versions. Get your facts right

 

[Berman Mo]

Wrong, sir. 105 mm in the Indian versions. Get your facts right

Using a British design 105mm gun that was also use the arm the American army M-60 and the M1 tanks.

 

[Sumontra Banerjee]

Unmanned artillery or up armouring them and use them ahead of thin skinned armoured troop carrier for blasting their way clean. If we can add night vision/infrared and anti tank missiles !!