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T-64 Main Battle Tank

T-64 Main Battle Tank

Manufacturer: KMDB (Kharkiv Morozov Machine Building Design Bureau)
Category: Tanks & Armored Vehicles
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Main Gun Caliber 115mm / 125mm
Engine Power 700 hp
Maximum Speed ~60 km/h
Armor Type Steel + Composite + ERA (modern variants)

Full Specifications

1. General Information

Vehicle Name	T-64
Type / Role	Main Battle Tank (MBT)
Manufacturer	KMDB (Kharkiv Morozov Machine Building Design Bureau)
Country of Origin	Soviet Union / Ukraine
In Service	Yes
Year Introduced	1967
Unit Cost	~$1–2 million (upgraded variants)
Crew	3 (Commander, Gunner, Driver)

2. Dimensions & Weight

Length (Gun Forward)	9.22 m
Width	3.41 m
Height	2.17 m
Weight	38–42 tons (variant dependent)
Ground Clearance	0.50 m
Chassis Material	Steel + Composite Armor

3. Performance

Engine Type	5TDF Diesel Engine
Engine Power	700 hp
Power-to-Weight Ratio	~18 hp/ton
Transmission	Manual/Automatic (varies)
Maximum Speed (Road)	60 km/h
Maximum Speed (Off-Road)	35–40 km/h
Operational Range	500 km (with fuel drums)
Suspension Type	Torsion Bar

4. Armament

Main Gun	115mm U-5TS / 125mm smoothbore
Ammunition Capacity	36–40 rounds
Secondary Armament	7.62mm MG, 12.7mm NSVT MG
Gun Elevation/Depression	+13° / -6°
Fire Control System	Basic → Digital (upgraded variants)
Stabilization	2-Axis
Rate of Fire	6–8 rpm (autoloader)

5. Protection & Armor

Armor Type	Steel + Composite
Reactive Armor	Kontakt-1 / Kontakt-5 (modern)
Active Protection System (APS)	Optional
NBC Protection	Yes
Smoke Grenade Launchers	Yes
Fire Suppression System	Automatic
Mine Protection	Moderate

6. Mobility & Capability

Maximum Gradient	60%
Side Slope	40%
Trench Crossing	2.7 m
Vertical Obstacle	0.8 m
Fording Depth	1.8 m (5 m with snorkel)
Turning Radius	Pivot Turn
Amphibious Capability	With preparation

7. Sensors & Electronics

Fire Control Computer	Basic → Digital (modern)
Thermal Imaging	Modernized versions only
Night Vision	IR / Passive
Laser Rangefinder	Yes
Ballistic Computer	Yes (upgraded variants)
Communication System	Tactical Radio
Battlefield Management System	Optional

8. Operational Info

Service Branch	Soviet/Russian/Ukrainian Ground Forces
Primary Operator	Ukraine, Russia, former USSR states
Combat Experience	Eastern Ukraine conflicts
Upgrade Packages	T-64A, T-64B, T-64BV, Bulat
Export Status	Limited
Production Status	Discontinued

Our Rating

The overall rating is based on review by our experts

Maintenance Efficiency 8 / 10
Technology 8 / 10
Performance 8 / 10
Reliability & Maintenance 8 / 10

PROS

Compact, low-profile design improves survivability
Autoloader reduces crew size
Strong composite armor for its era
Capable 125mm smoothbore gun
Highly mobile with good acceleration

CONS

Aging platform with limited modern protection
Engine is complex and maintenance-intensive
Limited export availability
Older FCS compared to Western MBTs
Vulnerable without ERA upgrades

T-64 Main Battle Tank: Cold War Icon With Modern Relevance

The T-64 Main Battle Tank stands as one of the most influential armored platforms of the Cold War era, credited with shaping modern tank design long before its rivals. Developed by the Kharkiv Morozov Machine Building Design Bureau (KMDB) in Ukraine during the early 1960s, the T-64 introduced cutting-edge features that were decades ahead of Western competitors—most notably its autoloader, composite armor, and compact, highly efficient powerplant.

A Success Story of Revolutionary Design

When the T-64 entered Soviet service in 1967, it represented a generational leap. Its autoloading mechanism reduced the crew to just three members, while its 115mm and later 125mm smoothbore gun provided formidable firepower. The tank quickly became the backbone of elite Soviet armored units and influenced the development of successors like the T-72, T-80, and T-90.

Capabilities & Performance

The T-64 was engineered for rapid, high-intensity armored warfare. Powered by a compact 5TDF two-stroke diesel engine delivering up to 700 hp, the tank achieves a maximum road speed of around 60 km/h. Its relatively low silhouette and well-angled armor increased survivability against both kinetic and shaped-charge threats.

Operationally, the T-64 has seen extensive use in Eastern Europe, notably in the ongoing conflicts in Ukraine, where upgraded variants continue to serve. Modernized T-64BV and T-64BM Bulat models include strengthened armor, improved thermal sights, and updated fire-control systems—all designed to extend the platform’s relevance in contemporary warfare.

T-64 Tank Price in US

The T-64 is not available for commercial sale in the U.S. defense market; however, nations that previously acquired Soviet tanks list refurbishment and upgrade costs ranging between $1–2 million depending on configuration.

FAQs

How many T-64 tanks does Ukraine have?

According to Tanks of the Ukrainian Army (OSINT), as of early 2025, there are 366 T-64BV, 126 T-64BV (mod 2017), 22 T-64BM Bulat, 10 T-64B1M, 4 T-64A, 1 T-64BVK, plus a few unknown variants that have been visually confirmed destroyed or damaged.
Before the war, estimates suggested about 720 modernized or upgraded T-64s in service (BV 2017, Bulat, etc.) plus ~578 older hulls in storage.
As of 2024, Ukraine’s T-64 reserves were described as “poised to sustain years of combat” because of the large number left from Soviet-era stocks.
Bottom line: Ukraine retains hundreds of T-64s (both active and in reserve), though the exact number fluctuates due to refurbishing, losses, and upgrades.

What was the best Soviet tank?

There’s no definitive “best” Soviet tank — it depends on the era and mission — but some top contenders are:
T-34: Often praised as the most successful WWII Soviet tank. It was very well-balanced (armor, mobility, firepower), cheap to produce, and very effective.
T-64: Technically advanced — it introduced composite armor and an autoloader, which reduced crew size. It influenced many later Soviet tanks.
T-72: More mass-produced, simpler to manufacture and maintain, and became the workhorse of many Soviet and post-Soviet armies.
So “best” depends: for innovation, the T-64; for mass wartime production and reliability, the T-34; for long-term service and export, the T-72.

Does Russia still use the T-64?

Yes, but only very limited. Recent open-source analysis (2025) suggests Russia still has ~600+ T-64s in long-term storage, but many are in poor condition.
According to Russian depot data cited by ISW, Russia appears to be cannibalizing some T-64s for parts rather than putting them back in frontline use.
According to UAWire reporting, about 650 T-64s remain, but most are not in combat-ready condition.
Bottom line: Russia maintains a stockpile of T-64s, but they are largely stored or used for parts, rather than being a major part of its modern armored forces.

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