Day of the Tanker of Armenia (08/10)

Tankman Day in Armenia is celebrated in the Armed Forces of the Republic annually on October 8.

The tank troops of the Republic of Armenia, which were formed as part of the Armed Forces of the Armenian SSR, have a long and glorious history. During the Great Patriotic War, Armenian tank crews courageously defended the Fatherland; their exploits were forever inscribed in the chronicle of the Armed Forces of the Soviet Union.

After Armenia gained independence in September 1991, the planned reform of the Republic's tank forces began. On October 8, 1992, the reform and formation of new tank units of the Armenian Armed Forces was completed. Subsequently, this day became a professional holiday for Armenian tank crews — Tankman Day.

Tank troops are part of the Armenian ground forces. The troops have more than 100 main battle tanks, mostly — T-72s, which were imported from Russia, China and some Eastern European countries. In addition to these tanks, the Armenian Armed Forces have a small number of T-54, T-55 and T-90S medium tanks.

Tanks traditionally take part in the military parade taking place in Yerevan on Armenian Independence Day. Exercises of tank units of Armenia are also systematically conducted, where tank crews master the tactical technique of a tank ambush, maneuvering into the enemy’s flank and rear, and conducting raids.

During the exercise, each crew performs comprehensive tank driving and fire training sessions in conditions as close as possible to combat ones.

Among the famous Armenian tank crews, the most famous is the name of the Chief Marshal of the Armored Forces Amazasp Khachaturovich Babajanyan — Guard Colonel, commander of the 20th Guards Zaleshchitsa mechanized brigade of the 1st Tank Army of the 1st Ukrainian Front. And back in May 1940, tank driver Karapet Simonyan was awarded the first title of Hero of the Soviet Union among Armenians.

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