But my argument is that not only is the T-55 no good in an offensive role they are equally as bad in a defensive role, seriously what is the accurate range of a standard export model T-55 and what do you think its lethal range is against say the much maligned Leopard 1 (hardly a modern MBT but a good MBT none the less), what is the T-55's survivability rating against any MAPATS built in the last 40 years?
In my opinion the T-55 would be little more than an iron coffin against anyone but stone throwing protestors.
If you really must push Russian armour why not the T-64B1V series at least it was upgraded to survive into the 1980's the T-55 was obsolete by 1960, either way you are sending crews to their death but at least with T-64 you tried to buy an MBT and not an upgraded T-34.
Well Monty.
First of all I must admit that I've never read the "tankers bible" (Achtung Panzer) and therefore my wievpoint is that of a more or less upgraded defensive guerilla warfare.
In such a scenario the T55 is comparable to an AK47, not an advansed threat, but a threat that has to be dealt with none the less.
And any helmet (or T55 turret) sticking up over a hill will pose a threat, meaning that an invading force will have to spend time and effort dealing with that potential threat before they can push on towards their objective.
If I have enough T55's to spend, you will bind up forces and resources on taking them out, quite simple.
Now say that you encounter a force consisting of 30 obsolete T55's deployed in prepared positions on a hilly terrain with scattered forest, they are all showing up with a heat signature indicating that they are ready for battle, and they're controlling you're main entrance to the objective you are supposed to secure.
What do you do?
And would your actions be reconsidered if you were aware of the fact that only 10 of those T55's was manned and actually ready for combat, while the other 20 T55's was merely preheated decoys?
You would have to deal with them anyway.
And if I was to upgrade with T64's, or even T72's, I would still get 5-6 of them for the price of a single Leopard-2...and in the heat of battle few would be able to spot the visual difference between the old soviet tanks.
They're none the less an obstacle you have to deal with.
So you call in an airstrike, fine, but what kind of AA capability is hidden in the hills and forests around the target?
And if you knew that the defending force oposing you have access to a shitload of tanks, wouldn't it be possible that elements of that force could be outflanking you, or even go for your supply lines, while you are dealing with that first obstacle?
It could be a trap, but for what, your main armoured column, or your aircover? ;-)