New Batch Of Modernized T-72B3 Delivered To Russian Armed Forces
The Russian T-72 MBT, first produced in 1973, remains in many regions the sole competitor to western main battle tanks. When first deployed during the Cold War, it sparked fear among NATO commanders. While it first appeared 50 years ago, the T-72 still remains in service with the Russian Army, with many modernizations conducted to improve tank capabilities over the years. These modernizations have broadly resulted in the T-90 series of MBTs.
TASS recently reported that at the beginning of November, the latest batch of T-72B3s were delivered to the Russian Armed Forces. Equipped with a new engine, a rear-view camera and an advanced fire control system. However, those are not the only subjects of modernization.
The modernized T-72B3s now have Kontakt-5 explosive reactive armor, an upgraded engine and are armed with a 125mm 2A46M-5 smoothbore main gun which is capable of firing newer ammunition types. It also had a modernized stabilizing system and fire control systems with a modern ballistic computer. Night vision equipment, satellite navigation systems and a new laser range finder have also been fitted. The main guns fire control system has an infrared imaging channel which aids operations at night and in difficult weather conditions.
Firstly introduced in 2018, the T-72B3 variant is the newest 3rd generation MBT which may face the M1A2 Abrams, Leopard 2A7 and Challenger 2 in Europe, just as during the Cold War, the T-72 will have an upper hand in terms of numbers. The Russian Minister of Defense are reportedly pleased with the delivered product and claim that all of T-72Bs will be modernized to the B3 standard.
These plans to modernization the entire T-72 fleet may, however, be slow to materialise due to the Russia’s current dire economic situation. Its markets have been hit hard by the COVID-19 pandemic and their intervention in Syria came at an expensive cost. It is interesting that Russian investment in the conventional warfare systems continues with their army still pushing for the cutting edge solutions but in terms of mass production and deployment.