Warfare

Military Recovery Vehicles Are Force Multipliers

Force multiplication: Recover an enemy tank. Russia minus 1, Ukraine +1. Net change = +2 for Ukraine

Treating wounded vehicles is almost as important as treating wounded soldiers.

And damaging enemy combat recovery equipment is a force multiplier. Stop them treating their wounded tanks and BMPs and you are multiplying your own force. Recover one of their damaged or abandoned machines and the multiplication improves even more.

Oryx: As of 25 August 2023 at least 36 Russian BREM-1 armoured recovery vehicles have been lost in the Russian invasion of Ukraine.

In fact, it’s arguable that in Russia’s war on Ukraine, Russia is more interested in recovering damaged (but repairable) tanks and BMPs than it is in recovering its wounded soldiers. Russia has soldiers aplenty even though their quality and morale now (day 550 of the war) may be very low. But tanks, BMPs and other battlefield machinery are in very short supply and take a long time to replace.

There are videos circulating showing Russia apparently activating WW2 era T-10 tanks, so desperate are they for equipment.

Then they have to get them to the front line and that’s becoming increasingly challenging as Ukraine hits logistics hubs and starts to bring Russian ground lines of communication (GLOCs) under fire control in the south of the country. That amplifies Russia’s need to recover and repair damaged equipment. But that’s not always successful.

Specialised vehicles are designed to recover and repair damaged, disabled, or stranded military vehicles and equipment such as artillery pieces under hostile conditions.

There are many flavours of recovery vehicles; versatility is important and many roles are interchangeable:

Tracked Recovery Vehicles: These vehicles feature tracks instead of wheels, which provide better traction in challenging terrains. They are used to recover heavier tracked vehicles like tanks and armored fighting vehicles.

Rotary Crane Recovery Vehicles: These vehicles are equipped with rotating cranes that can lift and move heavy objects, including damaged military vehicles. They are essential for recovering vehicles that are overturned or stuck in difficult positions, such as when a tank is in a ditch.

Armoured Recovery Vehicles (ARVs): ARVs are built on the chassis of armored vehicles, making them more resistant to enemy fire. They are capable of recovering and repairing armored vehicles directly on the battlefield, even under fire.

Engineer Recovery Vehicles: These vehicles are equipped with equipment for repairing and recovering engineering vehicles, which are used for tasks like building bridges, clearing obstacles, and constructing fortifications.

Light Recovery Vehicles: These are compact and versatile recovery vehicles designed to recover smaller military assets like jeeps, light trucks, and utility vehicles.

Heavy Recovery Vehicles: These are heavy-duty recovery vehicles capable of lifting and moving larger and heavier vehicles, including main battle tanks.

Multifunctional Recovery Vehicles: These are highly versatile recovery vehicles that combine various recovery and repair capabilities, allowing them to handle a wide range of recovery situations.

One variant, the REM-KL is listed as having been captured by Ukraine and in operation.

Modular Recovery Systems: Some recovery vehicles are designed with modular systems that can be configured to perform different recovery tasks by attaching specialised modules or equipment.

Wheeled recovery vehicles: I just had to include this.

We are preparing for sowing! There is already enough fertilizer, of course it is not of high quality, but what is there.

When a military vehicle becomes incapacitated, whether due to mechanical failure, hostile action, or unfavorable terrain, it can disrupt the entire operational tempo. This is where military recovery vehicles come into play. These vehicles are equipped with advanced winching, towing, lifting, and repair capabilities that enable them to rescue and repair a wide range of military assets, from armored vehicles to artillery pieces.

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Capabilities

One of the primary requirements of military recovery vehicles is an ability to operate in challenging terrains. Whether desert, jungle, mountainous region, or icy tundra, these vehicles are designed to navigate through various landscapes to reach the location of a disabled vehicle.

Their off-road capabilities, robust engineering, and advanced traction systems ensure that they can access remote and otherwise inaccessible areas, which is crucial for recovering equipment in difficult conditions.

Moreover, military recovery vehicles are equipped with specialised tools and equipment that allow them to perform on-site repairs. This not only saves valuable time but also reduces the need to transport damaged equipment to repair facilities, which could be far from the operational theatre. The ability to diagnose and fix mechanical issues on the spot enhances the self-sufficiency of military units and reduces their vulnerability.

In combat scenarios, military recovery vehicles can be a decisive factor in preventing the loss of valuable assets. When a vehicle is damaged in the heat of battle, leaving it behind not only deprives the unit of firepower but also potentially provides the enemy with salvageable equipment. Recovery vehicles ensure that damaged assets are swiftly evacuated, limiting the potential for enemy exploitation and maintaining the technological advantage of the military force.

Furthermore, these recovery vehicles contribute to the safety and morale of military personnel. Knowing that a dedicated team and equipment are readily available to rescue them in case of emergency can boost soldiers’ confidence and willingness to operate in hazardous conditions. It also demonstrates a commitment to the well-being of military personnel, fostering a sense of camaraderie and trust within the ranks.

Text from Telegram link above:

The Armed Forces of Ukraine have overcome the first layer of Russian minefields, tank traps, trenches and bunkers, — The New York Times.

At the same time, according to Forbes and Oryx estimates, out of the 71 German Leopard 2 delivered, only 5 were destroyed during the entire counteroffensive. About 10 more were damaged, but such equipment can be repaired, and almost the entire crew of the destroyed vehicles was able to survive.

Peacekeeping and disaster relief

In peacekeeping and disaster relief missions, military recovery vehicles also play a critical role. They can assist civilian authorities in recovering vehicles and equipment following natural disasters, accidents, or other emergencies. Their versatility in performing recovery and repair tasks makes them valuable assets for civilian-military cooperation during times of crisis.

Finally

I hope I’ve conveyed the military importance of this military recovery equipment.

It’s not seen as ‘sexy’ to armchair war-watchers, but it can give a vital edge to an army. By the same token, the recovery units are valuable targets.

In combat scenarios, military recovery vehicles can be a decisive factor in preventing the loss of valuable assets. When a vehicle is damaged in the heat of battle, leaving it behind not only deprives the unit of firepower but also potentially provides the enemy with salvageable equipment.

Recovery vehicles ensure that damaged assets are swiftly evacuated, limiting the potential for enemy exploitation and maintaining the technological advantage of the friendly forces.

It is also a great boost to morale when damaged equipment — especially enemy equipment — is recovered and refurbed. This has been especially notable in Ukraine, where the Ukraine armed forces has much experience of the Soviet-era armour and heavy weaponry that Russia has been fielding.

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Author’s note: The concept, structure, style and creative content in this story are all my own and I hope that is obvious to a reader. I do not employ third party writers. However, I do occasionally use an AI assistant to research and present small sections of factual content and data. All facts are checked where possible and sources quoted.