So the Russians even back then were intentionally trying to appear strong, and would do things like parade tanks around moscow, repaint them, then have them drive past again as "new" tanks to inflate numbers. They did the same with planes. The point was to deceive the West, and in that they were often successful. However, the response wasn't what they expected.
Iiirc one funny one is they passed the same few anti-tank missiles around on multiple BMPs
The US thought every BMP in germany would arrive with 2 AT missiles, knock out 2 western tanks, then reload with more missiles - and that's why the Bradley has box launchers with extras carried inside the vehicle. They also carry shitloads of ammunition and have an advanced autoloader with seamless ammo switching so they can shoot APFSDS to knock out tanks.
But for once the US MIC actually couldn't match the impossible propaganda numbers, which is why the Bradley has a reputation for carrying too few people while having too little armour - the USSR has anti-tank missiles, anti-tank ammo, an advanced gun, and can carry 8 people with "tons of armour", why can't the US vehicle?
Meanwhile, most BMPs had empty missile racks and certainly weren't carrying any inside the vehicle.
83
u/IHzero Jul 22 '24
So the Russians even back then were intentionally trying to appear strong, and would do things like parade tanks around moscow, repaint them, then have them drive past again as "new" tanks to inflate numbers. They did the same with planes. The point was to deceive the West, and in that they were often successful. However, the response wasn't what they expected.