The caption was dropped. It is a storage site for Russian vehicles, one of many. They produce about 200 new tanks a year and restore about 400 tanks a year from these storage sites. They first restored the tanks that were in good condition. Then they restored tanks that had more issues because they were in mediocre condition. Sometimes they need to replace parts so they take parts from tanks that are in poor condition and will never run again. The tanks viewed are being scavenged for parts and will never be sent to Ukraine.
Russia is running out of tanks in storage sites that they can restore. Those they restore take longer because they are in poor shape. In about a year's time, they will have to rely on the few new tanks they produce because the tanks in storage will be expended.
Tom & Don: speaking of equipment.... About a week ago or so I decided it would be an interesting mental exercise to Google Map Davis-Monthon AFB, Arizona USA and do a visual count of the airframes I could see. I am trying to do the same now with the Sierra Army Depot SIAD, California USA (about 80 miles north of Lake Tahoe & just north of Herlong California). This is the primary reserve storage facility for the US Army.
Problems:
1) Google Maps resolution sucks #$%# but it's pictures are more current.
2) Earth View 3D has much better resolution (though I would prefer better) but their pictures appear to be older. Reasoning is fairly simple if one were to look at the following (https://media.defense.gov/2023/Feb/24/2003167682/-1/-1/1/UKRAINE-FACT-SHEET-FEB-24.PDF). If you do a count of easily identifiable 155mm MFH M777 Google Earth has about 160 less than Earth View. The amount by February 2023.
So, if anyone out there can get me fairly up to date Satellite Map imagery, but with a better clarity and resolution than Google Earth (MUCH better IS preferable) PLEASE sent it to me.
Just from that little bit of digging I was able to find that Sierra Army Depot SIAD had approximately 120 155mm MFH M777 on site.
I know it does not mean much.....but having that information around is better than not having it available.
Where does the tank graveyard picture on top come from? Irak? It would be nice if it came from Russia, though.
The caption was dropped. It is a storage site for Russian vehicles, one of many. They produce about 200 new tanks a year and restore about 400 tanks a year from these storage sites. They first restored the tanks that were in good condition. Then they restored tanks that had more issues because they were in mediocre condition. Sometimes they need to replace parts so they take parts from tanks that are in poor condition and will never run again. The tanks viewed are being scavenged for parts and will never be sent to Ukraine.
Russia is running out of tanks in storage sites that they can restore. Those they restore take longer because they are in poor shape. In about a year's time, they will have to rely on the few new tanks they produce because the tanks in storage will be expended.
"*If these numbers are correct, then Ukraine produced 150,000 in 2023 and less than 2,000 drones in 2022."
Sounds very similar to the evolution of indirect shooting guns (aka artillery) in the first world war.
Thank you for the five updates. I am eagerly waiting for the ones of next week.
Thanks very much for this weeks reports Don, I really appreciate your work
Tom & Don: speaking of equipment.... About a week ago or so I decided it would be an interesting mental exercise to Google Map Davis-Monthon AFB, Arizona USA and do a visual count of the airframes I could see. I am trying to do the same now with the Sierra Army Depot SIAD, California USA (about 80 miles north of Lake Tahoe & just north of Herlong California). This is the primary reserve storage facility for the US Army.
Problems:
1) Google Maps resolution sucks #$%# but it's pictures are more current.
2) Earth View 3D has much better resolution (though I would prefer better) but their pictures appear to be older. Reasoning is fairly simple if one were to look at the following (https://media.defense.gov/2023/Feb/24/2003167682/-1/-1/1/UKRAINE-FACT-SHEET-FEB-24.PDF). If you do a count of easily identifiable 155mm MFH M777 Google Earth has about 160 less than Earth View. The amount by February 2023.
So, if anyone out there can get me fairly up to date Satellite Map imagery, but with a better clarity and resolution than Google Earth (MUCH better IS preferable) PLEASE sent it to me.
Just from that little bit of digging I was able to find that Sierra Army Depot SIAD had approximately 120 155mm MFH M777 on site.
I know it does not mean much.....but having that information around is better than not having it available.
Thanks Don. How do I contact you privately regarding a topic related to this post?