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Hi, I have a quick question about Soviet tanks in this game.

After reading many AARs, I've noticed that Soviet tanks seem to take extremely heavy losses in fights with US/German counterparts, which surprises me. I thought that for some time, there was some qualitative parity (e.g. T-80BV vs M1A1). I was under the impression that their firepower and armor were approximately equal, on paper at least. I recall reading T-80 and T-64 series did have a decent fire control system as well.

However I think I lack knowledge in this field, so I'm curious what kinds of factors (in real life) that give M1A1 such large advantage compared to T-80BV?

The M1 vs the T80 would be better comparison of qualitative parity, once you get up to the M1A1 your looking at a bigger gun providing better accuracy and penetration at longer ranges, you'll find if a unit of T80BV get close enough to a unit of M1A1 it will not end well for the M1A1's.

Armour wise, ERA 5 on the T80BV allows it to have similar defensive values as the M1A1, crew training is also another factor, its generally consensus that NATO tank crews have better & more training than their WP counterparts affecting key factors like accuracy

You'll also find that in the majority of AARs NATO are on the defensive allowing for better firing positions, use of smoke to cover NATO tanks allowing thermal imaging to give a edge over WP tanks, and a host of other factors that favour the defenders

Tazak hits all the high points dead on. Depending on how you use the equipment or have it used against you your perception of under or over powered sides will change. NATO tanks can hurt you at long ranges, but once the fights get within 2000 meters it gets down to who shoots first.