But if they did, I believe Russia armor would end up looking about like Saddam’s forces after desert storm. EU united has a hell of an Airforce
Would be interesting.
I don't think the EU has the experience with armor busting compared to the US from Iraq. Yes there were some coalition elements in that airspace but they were mostly running CAP and some suppression sorties.
I'm pretty sure that the Russian Federation was just one of many watching the methods used in Iraq. Perhaps that along with the proliferation of effective drone deployment are reasons they aren't putting a lot of R&D and production dollars into new armor programs.
Back to the tanks, Russian industrial output can not keep up with current losses. I believe they can build a little less than 100 new main battle tanks per year, around 350 infantry fighting vehicles or thats about what I remember reading on the ISW site.
Even at the reported output numbers, Russia would have more production capability than the entire EU.
Germany and France are trying to ramp up armor and artillery production but their manufacturing base is heavily eroded in areas that cannot be quickly rebuilt. Not just the production facilities but the raw material logistics and just as important, the skilled workforce needed.
In my opinion Russia has an underestimated or at least purposefully underreported industrial and technical capacity. They still have the ability to surge production within their own borders. You can bet that even though Putin doesn't trust Xi, Russia has a solid Plan B they could tap for Chinese armor that can be quickly made compatible with standard Russian systems.
We have to all be cautious of what is openly reported. Just a year ago, western MSM was joking and pointing that Russia couldn't field but 4 of the new Felons. Turns out they have over 4 dozen already in the Russian Aerospace Defence Forces. They are on track to deliver the first export versions to Algeria and N.K. before the end of this year.
They have already surged their Fullback production to build past the 200 they already have flying. The SU-34 is recognized by everybody as one of the most capable attack fighters in the world and definitely has the longest range of any including our own Strike Eagles.
Their expertise and capabilities in global submarine operations and leading edge missile programs are close to or equal to the US in several areas.
I would think the same calculated thought processes are in play with their armor and anti-armor programs.
There are a lot of things Russia isn't but they are united, creative and manage to do a lot with very little sometimes. The West painting them as suckers is an unwise move in my opinion.