T-55 and ZSU-23-4 "Shilka" of the Peruvian army were deployed to cover the border with Ecuador. The relocation of equipment is explained by the increase in the number of migrants from Venezuela.
ZSU-23-4 "Shilka" and T-55 medium tanks of the Peruvian army are deployed to cover the border with Ecuador in connection with the influx of refugees from Venezuela. January 26, 2021. pic.twitter.com/EuLD3XCx9b
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Judging by the published photos, medium tanks are transported on trawls, while lighter self-propelled units move independently.
Military experts note that for such operations, it would be more appropriate to use light wheeled armored vehicles.
In the Western Hemisphere, the "fifty-fifths" are in service with five countries: Cuba, Nicaragua, Ecuador, Peru and Uruguay.
If the Ecuadorian army sent its combat vehicles of this type to the storage base, the Peruvian military continues to operate more than 160 of the almost 300 units supplied by the Soviet Union in the mid-70s. They are, for example, involved in the regular large-scale maneuvers of the armed forces Escudo ("Shield").
The T-55s proved to be reliable and simple vehicles, with 9M14 "Malyutka" anti-tank guided missile launchers installed on parts of the tanks. They have long been considered obsolete, but all attempts to purchase more modern models, such as the Russian T-90S or the Chinese MW-2000, have come to nothing.
Also, it is still not possible to replace the Soviet ZSU-23-4 anti-aircraft self-propelled guns that have been in service for several decades.
Alexey Moiseev
