Kathrine Frich
The site uses only photographic and video evidence to verify claims.
The site uses only photographic and video evidence to verify claims.
Russia’s $2 Billion Tank Losses Laid Bare
According to Polish Foreign Minister Radosław Sikorski, Russia has now lost close to 4,000 tanks in its war against Ukraine.
He shared the data in a post on the social platform X, calling the cost of replenishing such losses “a 20-year effort.”
4,000 Tanks Gone
The figure Sikorski cited comes from the military analysis site Oryx, which reports that Ukraine has destroyed 3,947 Russian tanks.
This number only includes visually confirmed losses, meaning actual destruction could be significantly higher.
What Is Oryx And Why Do Analysts Trust It?
Oryx, short for Oryxspioenkop.com, is an independent Dutch military blog run by analyst Stijn Mitzer.
It rose to prominence for its meticulously documented equipment losses in global conflicts, particularly the war in Ukraine.
The site uses only photographic and video evidence to verify claims.
Why the Numbers Matter More Than Headlines
Unlike claims from either side of the conflict, which often inflate or assume losses, Oryx publishes only what can be confirmed visually.
That makes its data highly conservative, and highly credible. Analysts, journalists, and even governments routinely cite Oryx as a reliable baseline.
The Real Toll Is Likely Far Higher
Even Oryx admits that its numbers represent a floor, not a ceiling. The site excludes drone losses, decoys, civil vehicles, and any equipment for which there’s no visual proof.
“The amount of destroyed equipment is significantly higher than recorded here,” the site notes.
At Least $2 Billion
The cost of nearly 4,000 tanks lost runs into the billions. While values vary depending on the tank model, even conservative estimates put the damage at well over $2 billion.
That doesn’t include other vehicles, aircraft, or the cost of training and logistics.
A Two-Decade Recovery, Says Sikorski
Sikorski claims it would take Russia 20 years to rebuild its tank forces to pre-war levels.
With Western sanctions restricting access to components and manufacturing slowed by war demands, Moscow faces a long road to restoring its armoured fleet.