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{{Unreliable sources|date=July 2025}}
{{Use dmy dates|date=July 2020}}
{{Infobox weapon
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| variants =
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The [[T-72]] is a [[Soviet Union|Soviet]]-designed [[main battle tank]] that entered production in 1973. It replaced the [[T-54/55]] series as the workhorse of Soviet tank forces (while the [[T-64]] and [[T-80]] served as the Soviet high-technology tanks).{{citation needed|date=September 2021}}
==Operators==
===Current operators===
* {{ALG}} – 325 T-72M1/M1M as of 2023.{{sfn|The Military Balance 2023|page=315}}
* {{ANG}}<ref name="NMAA">{{cite web|first1=Jeremy |last1=Binnie|first2=Erwan|last2=de Cherisey|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20170622123315/http://www.janes.com/images/assets/520/71520/New-model_African_armies.pdf|title=New-model African armies|publisher=Jane's |date=2017|archive-date= 22 June 2017|url=http://www.janes.com/images/assets/520/71520/New-model_African_armies.pdf}}</ref> – 50 T-72M1 as of 2023.{{sfn|The Military Balance 2023|page=433}}
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* {{AZE}} – 404 T-72A, T-72AV, T-72B, and T-72SIM2 as of 2023.{{sfn|The Military Balance 2023|page=172-173}}
* {{BLR}} – 477 T-72B and 20 T-72B3 mod. 2016 as of 2023.{{sfn|The Military Balance 2023|page=175}} Various T-72 modifications in reserve.<ref>{{Cite web |url=http://belarmy.by/novosti/belorusskij-bronirovannyj-kulak-teryaet-silu |title=Белорусский бронированный кулак теряет силу | Армия Беларуси |access-date=4 September 2017 |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20170905000816/http://belarmy.by/novosti/belorusskij-bronirovannyj-kulak-teryaet-silu |archive-date=5 September 2017 |url-status=live}}</ref>
*
* {{Flag|Croatia}} – 74 [[M-84|M-84A4 Sniper]], which is an improved variant of the T-72M, as of 2025 awaiting replacement with the [[Leopard 2|Leopard 2A8]] while 30 M-84A4 will be donated to Ukraine.<ref name="IISS2022_p2613">[[International Institute for Strategic Studies]]: The Military Balance 2025</ref><ref>{{cite news |title=Hrvatska nabavlja najmodernije tenkove Leopard 2A8, a Ukrajini šalje svoje M-84 i borbena oklopna vozila M-80 |url=https://www.vecernji.hr/vijesti/hrvatska-nabavlja-najmodernije-tenkove-leopard-2a8-a-ukrajini-salje-svoje-m-84-i-borbena-oklopna-vozila-m-80-1811407 |work=www.vecernji.hr |language=hr}}</ref>
* {{CZE}} – 30 [[T-72M4CZ]] in service as of 2025.<ref name=":2" /> 50 T-72M1s were donated to Ukraine between 2022 and 2023.<ref name="auto2">{{Cite web|url=https://ct24.ceskatelevize.cz/specialy/rusko-ukrajinsky-konflikt/3555450-armade-loni-rekordne-ubylo-techniky-zrejme-kvuli-dodavkam|title=Armádě loni rekordně ubylo techniky, zřejmě kvůli dodávkám zbraní Ukrajině|publisher=Česká televize|website=ČT24|accessdate=30 March 2023}}</ref> Later all usable T-72M1 tanks were donated to Ukraine (last T-72M1s left Czechia in Spring 2025).<ref name="allt-72m1givenaway">{{cite web | url=https://archiv.hn.cz/c1-67691960-na-ukrajinu-zamirily-posledni-ceskoslovenske-tanky-u-utvaru-uz-je-jen-nekolik-leopardu-na-desitky-dalsich-se-ceka | title=Na Ukrajinu zamířily poslední československé tanky. U útvarů už je jen několik Leopardů, na desítky dalších se čeká |author= Jan Beránek | date= 8 April 2025 |publisher= Hospodářské noviny }}</ref>[[File:T-72 CI-Ajeya.jpg|thumb|T-72 CI-Ajeya tank of Indian Army during an army parade.]]
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* {{ETH}} – 50 bought from Yemen, 171 T-72UA1 vehicles reportedly ordered from Ukraine in 2011.<ref>{{cite web|url=http://www.kyivpost.com/news/nation/detail/106382/#ixzz1OtrZzLJF|title=Ukraine sells 200 tanks to Ethiopia|work=KyivPost|date=9 June 2011|access-date=13 November 2014|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20120501033238/http://www.kyivpost.com/news/nation/detail/106382/#ixzz1OtrZzLJF|archive-date=1 May 2012|url-status=live}}</ref>
* {{GEO}} –143 T-72B/SIM1 in 2018. Upgraded T-72 SIMs were upgraded in Georgia with assistance of Israel.<ref name="IISS">{{cite book |title=Military Balance 2018 |date=2018 |publisher=IISS |isbn=978-1857439007 |page=187}}</ref>
* {{HUN}} – 44 T-72M1 in service as of 2025.<ref name=":2" />
* {{IND}} – 2,418 T-72M1 as of 2025.<ref name=":2" />
* {{IRN}} – 480 T-72S as of 2023.{{sfn|The Military Balance 2023|page=324}}
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* {{NIC}} – 50 T-72B1MS tanks.<ref>{{cite web|last1=Sanchez|first1=Alejandro|title=Nicaragua acquires Russian T-72 tanks|url=http://www.janes.com/article/59989/nicaragua-acquires-russian-t-72-tanks|website=IHS Jane's 360|access-date=2 August 2016|date=4 May 2016|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20160821043553/http://www.janes.com/article/59989/nicaragua-acquires-russian-t-72-tanks|archive-date=21 August 2016|url-status=live}}</ref><ref>{{cite web|last1=Sanchez|first1=Alejandro|title=Nicaragua receives Russian T-72 tanks, set for September unveiling|url=http://www.janes.com/article/62727|website=IHS Jane's 360|access-date=2 August 2016|date=2 August 2016}}</ref><ref name="rénovation redsamovar">{{cite web |title=Rénovation des T-80BV et modernisation des T-72B1 au sein de la 61ème usine de réparation des blindés |url=https://redsamovar.com/2019/05/25/actu-la-renovation-des-t-80bv-et-la-modernisation-des-t-72b1-au-sein-de-la-61eme-usine-de-reparation-des-blindes/ |website=Red Samovar |date=25 May 2019}}</ref>
* {{NGR}}<ref name="NMAA"/> – 10 T-72AV and 31 T-72M1 as of 2023.{{sfn|The Military Balance 2023|page=469}}
*
* {{RUS}} – 700 T-72A/B/BA and 470 T-72B3 in active service. 909 T-72A and 433 T-72B/BA in store as of 2025.<ref name=":2" /> 1100 T-72B3, 550 T-72B3M, and more than 1000 T-72B in operation in 2022, 4800 variants of the T-72B in total.<ref name="IISS 2022">{{cite book |author=International Institute for Strategic Studies |title=The Military Balance 2022 |date=14 February 2022 |publisher=Routledge |isbn=978-0367466398 |pages=192–195 |author-link=International Institute for Strategic Studies}}</ref> As of February 2023, the [[Russian Army]] operates 400 T-72B/BA, 500 T-72B3, and 250 T-72B3M tanks; the [[Russian Naval Infantry]] operates 170 T-72B/B3/B3Ms; the [[Russian Airborne Forces]] operates 50 T-72B3/B3M; while the [[1st Army Corps (Russia)|1st Army Corps]] and [[2nd Army Corps (Russia)|2nd Army Corps]] operates some T-72A and T-72B tanks.{{sfn|The Military Balance 2023|pages=183-192}} 10,000 T-72 tanks of all variants in different conditions in storage.{{sfn|The Military Balance 2023|page=185}} Many of the T-72 tanks have been left exposed and stored since the early 1990s, and they are likely to be in poor condition.<ref>{{Cite news |date=16 July 2024 |title=
* {{SRB}} – 30 T-72B1MS and 195 [[M-84]], which is an improved variant of the T-72M, as of 2025.<ref name=":2" /><ref>{{Cite web |url=http://www.b92.net/eng/news/politics.php?yyyy=2016&mm=12&dd=21&nav_id=100019 |title=Serbia to get Russian warplanes, tanks, armored vehicles |date=21 December 2016 |access-date=22 December 2016 |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20161222173900/http://www.b92.net/eng/news/politics.php?yyyy=2016&mm=12&dd=21&nav_id=100019 |archive-date=22 December 2016 |url-status=live}}</ref><ref>{{Cite web|url=https://armstrade.org/includes/periodics/news/2020/1130/093560644/detail.shtml|title=ЦАМТО / Новости / Президент Сербии поблагодарил Россию за поставку военной техники|website=armstrade.org}}</ref><ref>{{Cite web|url=https://armstrade.org/includes/periodics/news/2021/0524/083562858/detail.shtml|title=ЦАМТО / / Минобороны России передало военную технику российского производства вооруженным силам Сербии|website=armstrade.org}}</ref>
* {{SVK}} – 20 T-72M1, still in service at the end of 2018. Another 10 in storage.<ref>{{cite web|url=http://www.sme.sk/c/5976453/armada-posiela-vsetky-tanky-do-srotu.html|title=SME.sk – Armda posiela vetky tanky do rotu|author=SME – Petit Press, a.s.|work=sme.sk|access-date=13 November 2014|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20150924131204/http://www.sme.sk/c/5976453/armada-posiela-vsetky-tanky-do-srotu.html|archive-date=24 September 2015|url-status=live}}</ref>
* {{SSD}} – 96-101 units delivered in two shipments from Ukraine: first, 32 T-72 on the [[MV Faina|MV ''Faina'']] in 2009, and second, 67 T-72 in
* {{SUD}} – 70 T-72AV as of 2023.{{sfn|The Military Balance 2023|pages=480-481}}
* {{Flag|South Ossetia}} — 10<ref>{{Cite web |title=Фоторепотраж с празднования 18-летия РЮО |url=http://osinform.org/8986-fotorepotrazh-s-prazdnovanija-18-letija-rjuo.html |access-date=2024-01-15 |website=АЛАНИЯинформ |language=ru}}</ref>
**[[Syrian Democratic Forces]] − Reported.{{sfn|The Military Balance 2023|page=356}}
* {{TJK}} – 28 T-72 Ural/A/AV/B and 3 T-72B1 as of 2023.{{sfn|The Military Balance 2023|page=198}}
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* {{UGA}} – 40 T-72A and 10 T-72B1 as of 2023.{{sfn|The Military Balance 2023|page=485}}
* {{UKR}} – 500+ T-72 and PT-91 Twardy as of 2023.{{sfn|The Military Balance 2023|page=202, 204}} In January 2014, Ukraine had 600 T-72 tanks all in storage.{{sfn|The Military Balance 2014|page=195}} They were returned to active service since the [[War in Donbas]], and several were captured and pressed into service during the [[2022 Russian invasion of Ukraine]],<ref>{{cite news |last1=Roblin |first1=Sébastien |title=A Ukrainian Tanker Needed Help With a Captured T-72. So He Called Russian Tech Support. |url=https://www.popularmechanics.com/military/a45434507/urakainian-tanker-calls-russian-tech-support-to-help-with-captured-t72-tank/ |access-date=10 March 2024 |work=Popular Mechanics |date=12 October 2023}}</ref> while others were donated by NATO members such as Poland and Czech Republic.<ref>{{cite news |last1=Hinshaw |first1=Drew |last2=Ojewska |first2=Natalia |title=Poland Has Sent More Than 200 Tanks to Ukraine |url=https://www.wsj.com/livecoverage/russia-ukraine-latest-news-2022-04-29/card/poland-has-sent-more-than-200-tanks-to-ukraine-Krwar3DCPzHJJk4UMVh4 |access-date=10 March 2024 |work=The Wall Street Journal |date=29 April 2022 |archive-url=https://archive.today/20220513073408/https://www.wsj.com/livecoverage/russia-ukraine-latest-news-2022-04-29/card/poland-has-sent-more-than-200-tanks-to-ukraine-Krwar3DCPzHJJk4UMVh4 |archive-date=13 May 2022}}</ref>
**[[Russian separatist forces in Donbas]]<ref>{{cite report |last1=Jenzen-Jones |first1=N. R. |last2=Ferguson |first2=Jonathan |title=Raising Red Flags: An Examination of Arms & Munitions in the Ongoing Conflict in Ukraine |date=18 November 2014 |publisher=[[Armament Research Services]] Pty. Ltd. |isbn=978-0-9924624-3-7 |pages=65, 67 |url=https://armamentresearch.com/Uploads/Research%20Report%20No.%203%20-%20Raising%20Red%20Flags.pdf |language=en |archive-date=4 April 2023 |access-date=7 September 2023 |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20230404035759/https://armamentresearch.com/Uploads/Research%20Report%20No.%203%20-%20Raising%20Red%20Flags.pdf |url-status=dead }}</ref>
* {{UZB}} – 70 as of 2023.{{sfn|The Military Balance 2023|page=205}}
* {{VEN}} – 92 T-72B1, delivered in 2009–2012 from Russia.<ref>{{cite web|url=http://www.armstrade.org/includes/periodics/mainnews/2012/0411/101412424/detail.shtml|title=Россия завершила поставку основных боевых танков Т-72Б1 для ВС Венесуэлы|date=11 April 2012|publisher=armstrade.org|access-date=13 November 2014|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20141113190021/http://www.armstrade.org/includes/periodics/mainnews/2012/0411/101412424/detail.shtml|archive-date=13 November 2014|url-status=live}}</ref> In June 2012, Russia and Venezuela agreed on deal for 100 more T-72.{{citation needed|date=March 2023}}
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===Evaluation / aggressor training===
[[File:OPFOR T-72 at Camp Pendleton, USA.JPEG|thumb|T-72M1 used by the 3rd Amphibious Assault Battalion, [[1st Marine Division]] of US Marines at [[Camp Pendleton]] during
* {{AUS}} – 1 donated by Germany to Australian Army for evaluation.
* {{CAN}} – Former East German tanks received at the end of the Cold War for OPFOR training. Out of service by 2000.
* {{KOR}} – Used for aggressor training. Its presence was considered classified but released into public after army's invitation events.<ref>{{cite web|url=http://armynuri.tistory.com/439|title=육군 기계화학교 견학 및 체험|publisher=육군 공식 블로그 '아미누리'|date=2007-07-02|access-date=2015-03-05|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20150501063321/http://armynuri.tistory.com/439|archive-date=2015-05-01|url-status=live}}</ref>
* {{PRK}} – 1 received from Iran in 1980s.<ref>{{cite web |title=A Visual Guide To North
* {{SWE}} – Acquired 8 former East German T-72s in 1991 primarily to evaluate Soviet armour. One has been preserved, while others are used as targets.
* {{USA}} – 90{{Citation needed|date=October 2021}}
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=== Former operators ===
*{{flag|Republic of Artsakh}} − ~20 T-72AV/B and 1 T-72SIM2 as of February 2023,{{sfn|The Military Balance 2023|page=174}} seized by Azerbaijan following the [[2023 Azerbaijani offensive in Nagorno-Karabakh]].<ref>{{cite web |title=Armenian separatists start surrendering weapons in Karabakh |url=https://mil.in.ua/en/news/armenian-separatists-start-surrendering-weapons-in-karabakh/ |website=Militarnyi |access-date=3 October 2023}}</ref>
▲* {{flag|People's Republic of Bulgaria|1972}} / {{BUL}} – 90 T-72M1/M in service as of 2025.<ref name=":2">IISS 2025</ref>
* {{CZS}} – About 1,700 T-72/T-72M/T-72M1s were produced between 1981 and 1990. The Czechoslovak army had 815 T-72s in 1991. All were passed on to the successor states in 1993:
{{Ordered list |list_style_type=lower-alpha
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| {{GER}} – 549 tanks taken from the GDR's army, all scrapped, sold to other countries or given to museums.}}
* {{FIN}} – Some 160–170 T-72M1s. About 70 T-72M1s (one armoured brigade) were bought from the Soviet Union and were delivered in 1984, 1985–1988 and 1990. A further 97 T-72M1s (including a small number of command versions T-72M1K and T-72M1K1) were bought from German surplus stocks in 1992–1994. All withdrawn from service in 2006. Scrapped in [[Jyväskylä]] or sold as spares to the Czech Republic. At least two Finnish T-72s are still in working order and have been used in showcases.<ref>Archived at [https://ghostarchive.org/varchive/youtube/20211205/nGN7NLL8e7M Ghostarchive]{{cbignore}} and the [https://web.archive.org/web/20210319074117/https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=nGN7NLL8e7M Wayback Machine]{{cbignore}}: {{cite web |url=https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=nGN7NLL8e7M |title=Leopard 2 vs T-72M1 – Combat Demonstration [4K] – Armoured Division 75th Anniversaryv |via=[[YouTube]]}}{{cbignore}}</ref>
* {{flag|Chechen Republic of Ichkeria}}<ref>{{Cite book |title=Battle for Grozny, Volume 1: Prelude and the way to the city, 1994 |last=Sandler |first=Efim |publisher=Helion & Company |year=2023 |isbn=978-1-804514-81-8 |___location=Warwick |pages=30-31}}</ref>
* {{flaglist|Islamic State in Iraq and the Levant}} – Several were captured from the [[Syrian Arab Army|Syrian army]].<ref>{{cite web|url=https://www.oryxspioenkop.com/2017/08/armour-in-islamic-state-story-of.html?m=1|title=Armour in the Islamic State – The Story of 'The Workshop'|website=oryxspioenkop.com|date=31 August 2017|access-date=20 May 2021}}</ref>
* {{
*
*
▲* {{flag|Polish People's Republic|1952}} / {{POL}} – 78 T-72M1/M1R and 206 [[PT-91 Twardy]], which is an improved variant of the T-72M1, as of 2025.<ref name=":2" /> 382 T-72 and 232 PT-91 as of 2019.<ref name=":6">{{Cite web |title=UNROCA (United Nations Register of Conventional Arms) |url=https://www.unroca.org/poland/report/2019/ |access-date=2020-06-03 |website=www.unroca.org}}</ref> 2008 – 586 T-72M1 and T-72M1D, 135 T-72M1Z (T-72M1 upgraded to PT-91 standard), and 98 PT-91 in service<ref name="Militarium">{{Cite web|url=http://www.militarium.net/viewart.php?aid=411|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20090909053847/http://www.militarium.net/viewart.php?aid=411|url-status=dead|title="MILITARIUM – Uzbrojenie Wojska Polskiego w 2008 r"|archive-date=9 September 2009}}</ref> 2006, 2007 – 597,<ref name="disarmament.un">{{Cite web|url=http://disarmament.un.org/UN_REGISTER.NSF/5cb8afbbb6536a298525647d00612b14/f828bbeb1ff68e068525749d007ef3ba?OpenDocument|archiveurl=https://archive.today/20100721214225/http://disarmament.un.org/UN_REGISTER.nsf/5cb8afbbb6536a298525647d00612b14/f828bbeb1ff68e068525749d007ef3ba?OpenDocument|url-status=dead|title=disarmament.un|archivedate=21 July 2010}}</ref> 2005 – 644, 2004 – 649<ref name="samez">{{Cite web|url=http://samez.tripod.com/|archiveurl=https://web.archive.org/web/20110717103451/http://samez.tripod.com/|url-status=dead|title=Stan armii polskiej na dzień 7 June 2004|archivedate=17 July 2011}}</ref> More than 260 T-72s have been donated to Ukraine in 2022 with more in the next year.
[[File:Romanian T-72M tank.jpg|thumb|right|Ex-Romanian T-72M.]]
▲* {{flag|Socialist Republic of Romania|1965}} / {{ROM}} – 31 T-72Ms were bought from the USSR, and received between 1978 and 1979.<ref>{{cite magazine|last1=Opriș|first1=Petre |title=Achiziționarea de tehnică militară și muniții sovietice pentru Armata Română 1976 1979|url=https://amnr.defense.ro/webroot/fileslib/upload/files/Revista_Document/Revista_090_2020.pdf|year=2020|magazine=Buletinul Arhivelor Militare Române|number=90/2020|issn=1454-0924|page=93}}</ref> Withdrawn from service (in long-term storage), 28 tanks are for sale (23 of them need repairs and five are operational).<ref>{{cite book|url=https://books.google.com/books?id=kH6TAWUst5EC&q=romanian+army+t-72+quantity&pg=PA141|title=The Diffusion of Military Technology and Ideas|isbn =978-0-8047-4535-2|last1=Goldman|first1=Emily O.|last2=Eliason|first2 =Leslie C.|year =2003|publisher=Stanford University Press }}</ref> In 2022 it was reported that Romania transferred their fleet of T-72s to Ukraine in response to the [[2022 Russian invasion of Ukraine]].<ref>{{cite web|url=https://www.armyrecognition.com/defense_news_april_2022_global_security_army_industry/romania_to_donate_t-72_main_batle_tanks_and_spare_parts_to_ukraine.html|title=Romania to donate T-72 main battle tanks and spare parts to Ukraine|website=armyrecognition.com|date=22 April 2022}}</ref>[[File:Romanian T-72M tank.jpg|thumb|right|Ex-Romanian T-72M.]]
* {{flag|Sierra Leone}} – In 1994 Sierra Leone acquired two T-72s from Poland via Ukraine (the vehicles were previously in Polish service). Another unspecified number of ex-Polish tanks was delivered to Sierra Leone in 1997 also via Ukraine (these vehicles also previously served with Poland).<ref>{{cite web |last1=Holtom |first1=Paul |title=United Nations Arms Embargoes Their Impact on Arms Flows and Target Behaviour Case study: Sierra Leone, 1997–present |url=https://www.sipri.org/sites/default/files/files/misc/UNAE/SIPRI07UNAESLe.pdf |publisher=SIPRI |date=2007}}</ref>
* {{
* {{USSR}} – Passed on to successor states:
{{Ordered list |list_style_type=lower-alpha
|
|
| {{UKR}} – 1,044<ref>{{cite web |url=https://yv-gontar.io.ua/s204760/voorujennye_sily_sssr_na_ukraine_v_1991_godu |title=Вооруженные Силы СССР на Украине в 1991 году (Russian) |work=Unknown |access-date=2018-05-03 |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20180728131330/https://yv-gontar.io.ua/s204760/voorujennye_sily_sssr_na_ukraine_v_1991_godu |archive-date=28 July 2018 |url-status=live}}</ref><ref name="Soviet Armed Forces">{{cite web |url=http://www.ww2.dk/new/newindex.htm |title=Soviet Armed Forces 1945–1991 |work=Michael Holm |access-date=2018-05-06 |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20180423043250/http://www.ww2.dk/new/newindex.htm |archive-date=23 April 2018 |url-status=live}}</ref>
| {{TKM}} – 702{{citation needed|date=August 2025}}
| {{KAZ}} – 700{{citation needed|date=August 2025}}
| {{AZE}} – 325<ref name="Soviet Armed Forces" />
| {{ARM}} – 246<ref name="Soviet Armed Forces" />
|
| {{KGZ}} – 150{{citation needed|date=August 2025}}
| {{TJK}} – 44{{citation needed|date=August 2025}}
| {{UZB}} – 70{{citation needed|date=August 2025}}
| {{LTU}} – 398,<ref name="Soviet Armed Forces" /> all units transferred to Russia in 1993{{citation needed|date=November 2020}}
| {{LVA}} – 114,<ref name="Soviet Armed Forces" /> all units transferred to Russia in 1994{{citation needed|date=November 2020}}
| {{MDA}} – 0,<ref name="Soviet Armed Forces" /> no Soviet divisions stationed in Moldova fielded T-72s{{citation needed|date=July 2025}}}}
▲* {{flag|Socialist People's Libyan Arab Jamahiriya|1977}} – 150 in 2003.<ref name="Militarium.net">{{Cite web |title="Militarium.net" |url=http://www.militarium.net/wojska_ladowe/t72.php |url-status=dead |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20090203004559/http://www.militarium.net/wojska_ladowe/t72.php |archive-date=3 February 2009}}</ref>
* [[Tigray Defense Forces]]<ref>{{Cite web|last=Oryx|title=The Tigray Defence Forces – Documenting Its Heavy Weaponry|url=https://www.oryxspioenkop.com/2021/09/the-tigray-defence-forces-documenting.html|access-date=2021-09-03|website=Oryx Blog}}</ref> − Surrendered to the Ethiopian forces in the aftermath of the [[Tigray War]].<ref>{{cite news |last1=Misikir |first1=Maya |title=Tigray Forces Start Handing Over Heavy Weapons as Part of Peace Deal |url=https://www.voanews.com/a/tigray-forces-start-handing-over-heavy-weapons-as-part-of-peace-deal-/6913979.html |access-date=11 January 2024 |work=Voice of America |date=11 January 2023 |language=en}}</ref>
* {{YUG
==Variants==
{{more citations|section|date=August 2025}}
===Soviet Union and Russia===
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:*'''T-72A obr.1982g''': Additional glacis armour with thickness of 16 mm of high resistance steel.
:* '''T-72A obr.1984g''': Late production with new turret, new gunner night sight 1K13-49, new engine. Smoke launchers on the turret side.
:* '''T-72AK (Ob'yekt 176K)''': Command version of the T-72A. In NATO code T-72AK was represented by three different designations: T-72AK1, T-72AK2 and T-72AK3, which represented the
:*[[File:Tank T-72AV (4568811088).jpg|thumb|T-72AV]]'''T-72AV''': ("V" for ''vzryvnoi'' – explosive) model with Kontakt-1 explosive reactive armour fitted to hull front and turret.<ref name="JED The Military Equipment Directory" />
* '''T-72M (Ob'yekt 172M-E2, Ob'yekt 172M-E3, Ob'yekt 172M-E4)''': Soviet export version, similar to the T-72A but with thinner armour and 125 mm D-81T smoothbore tank gun with 44 rounds. It was sold [[#Iraq|to Iraq]] and [[#Syria|to Syria]] and was also built in Poland by [[Bumar-Łabędy]].<ref name="Czołgi Świata (World's Tanks or Tanks of the World) magazine issue 20" /><ref name="pancerni1" /> and [[Czechoslovakia]].<ref name="JED The Military Equipment Directory" /><ref name="pancerni2">{{Cite web|url=http://www.pancerni.abajt.pl/index.php?option=com_content&task=view&id=21&Itemid=35&limit=1&limitstart=2|archiveurl=https://web.archive.org/web/20070818082118/http://www.pancerni.abajt.pl/index.php?option=com_content&task=view&id=21&Itemid=35&limit=1&limitstart=2 |url-status=dead |title=T-72 [ZSRR] Strona 3 z 3 |archivedate=18 August 2007}}</ref>
{{anchor|T-72MK}}
:* '''T-72MK (T-72M(K))''': Export version of T-72AK. It is a command vehicle for battalion commanders and has additional radio equipment, including the R-130M radio, AB-1-P/30-M1-U generator and a TNA-3 navigation system. The main external difference is a 10 m telescopic antenna stowed under the rear of the stowage box during travel. An additional antenna base for this telescopic antenna is mounted on the left side of the turret. Because of the additional equipment, the number of rounds for the 125 mm tank gun had to be lowered from 44 to 38. In NATO code, the T-72MK was represented by three different designations: T-72MK1, T-72MK2 and T-72MK3, which represented the
* '''T-72M-E (Ob'yekt 172M-E)''': Soviet export version armed with the 125 mm D-81T smoothbore tank gun with 44 rounds.
::* '''T-72M''' fitted with a French 155 mm F1 turret for trials [[#India|in India]].<ref name="JED The Military Equipment Directory" />
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[[File:T-72M – TankFest 2019 (49917164507).jpg|thumb|T-72M1]]
{{anchor|T-72M1|Object 172M-E5|Object 172M-E6}}
* '''T-72M1 (Ob'yekt 172M-E5, Ob'yekt 172M-E6)''': Soviet export version, with thicker armour and similar to T-72A obr.1979g. It
:* '''{{vanchor |T-72M1K}}''': Commander's variant with additional radios.<ref name="Gary's Combat Vehicle Reference Guide" />
:* '''{{vanchor |T-72M1V}}''': T-72M1 with Kontakt-1 explosive reactive armour ("V" for ''vzryvnoi'' – explosive).<ref name="Gary's Combat Vehicle Reference Guide" />
{{anchor|T-72M1M|Object 172M-E8}}
[[File:2016-05-03. Репетиция парада к Дню Победы в Донецке 024.jpg|thumb|T-72B
{{anchor|T-72S|T-72S Shilden}}
:* '''T-72S "Shilden" (T-72M1M1,<ref name="Czołgi Świata (World's Tanks or Tanks of the World) magazine issue 20" /> Ob'yekt 172M-E8)''':
* '''{{visible anchor|T-72B}} (Ob'yekt 184)''' (NATO code: SMT M1988):<ref name="Gary's Combat Vehicle Reference Guide" /> (1985)<ref name="War Technology" /> (SMT – Soviet Medium Tank) Equipped with
{{anchor|T-72BK|Object 184K}}
:* '''T-72BK (Ob'yekt 184K)''': Command version of the T-72B, recognisable by having multiple radio antennas and a radio mast stowage under the rear turret bin.<ref name="JED The Military Equipment Directory" /><ref name="pancerni1" />
[[File:T-72AV.jpg|thumb|T-72AV with 2 T-72B and a T-72B3 in the background]]
:* {{anchor|T-72BA}}'''T-72BA (Ob'yekt 184A/A1)''': this designation is used to refer to several models of late T-72B, stripped down, refurbished and upgraded with certain core components at [[Uralvagonzavod]] between 1998 and 2005. There are several features common to all upgraded T-72BA models; front of the turret and front of the hull reinforced with [[Kontakt-5]] ERA, the frontal floor plate reinforced against mines, the driver's seat is now suspended from the ceiling instead of being fixed to the floor and the driver's station has a new steering system as well as a new TVN-5 [[night sight]]. These tanks are equipped with the V-84MS engine using an upgraded exhaust system and newly developed twin-pin tracks (used on the T-90A). The upgrade also included the integration of a DWE-BS wind sensor whose mast is located on the rear, left part of turret and which feeds information into the 1A40 fire control system automatically. Tanks upgraded after the year 2000 received an improved 1A40-01M fire control system which makes use of a TBV digital ballistic computer. The tanks can also fire the [[9M119M Refleks]] laser-guided anti-tank missile through the use of a 1K13-49 sight. The most recent T-72BA tanks made in 2005 feature the latest iteration of the 1A40 FCS, designated 1A40-M2.<ref>{{Cite web |url=https://bastion-opk.ru/t-72bm-tank/ |title=Modernized main battle tank T-72B (T-72BM, T-72BA) |access-date=2024-12-01 |website=bastion-opk.ru |archive-date=26 September 2020 |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20200926210440/http://bastion-opk.ru/t-72bm-tank/ |url-status=dead }}</ref> While the upgraded tanks retained the original 2A46M main gun, more importantly, they received a much improved 2E42-4 stabilization system which significantly improved accuracy – especially during firing on the move. Approximately 750 tanks were upgraded to the T-72BA standard.<ref>{{cite journal |last1=Wolski |first1=Jarosław |title=PT-91 Twardy – Modernizacja Zamiast Fikcji? |journal=Nowa Technika Wojskowa |date=September 2015|issue=9|page=37}}</ref><ref name="t728090">{{cite web|url=http://artofwar.ru/w/wechkanow_i_w/vivboewyetanki-semejstwot-72t-80t-90wtoroeizdanie19122011.shtml|title=Танки - Т-72, Т-80, Т-90 (Второе издание 19 December 2011)|date=19 December 2011|language=ru|access-date=6 February 2015|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20150129050514/http://artofwar.ru/w/wechkanow_i_w/vivboewyetanki-semejstwot-72t-80t-90wtoroeizdanie19122011.shtml|archive-date=29 January 2015|url-status=live}}</ref>
[[File:T-72B M1989.jpg|thumb|right|T-72B obr.1989 with Kontakt-5 ERA.]]
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[[File:T-72B3.jpg|thumb|right|The recent T-72B3 in Russian service. Most obvious is the new Sosna-U multi-spectral panoramic sight.]]
*'''{{visible anchor|T-72B3}} (Ob'yekt 184-M3)''': this upgrade was initiated in 2010 using old stocks of T-72B tanks held in reserve. The purpose was to upgrade old T-72s to use the same gun, ammunition, ATGM, ERA etc. as the new T-90A tanks to simplify supply lines. In addition to performing a general overhaul of every vehicle, all tanks were equipped with the more powerful V-92S2 engines and a new steering system in the driver's compartment, and older tracks were replaced with the new universal, twin-pin design. The upgrade program focuses mainly on the implementation of a new fire control system. The tank commander retains an upgraded version of the legacy TKN-3MK sight, which is a passive device with a range of only 600 m at night. The commander also has a separate monitor that displays thermal imagery from the gunner's main sight, and a new turret control panel. The gunner has the new PNM [[Sosna-U]] panoramic multi-spectral sensor, which replaced the 1K13 night vision in its mounting; the 1A40-4 FCS with TPD-K1 sight is retained, but as part of the auxiliary sighting system to complement the newer system. The Sosna-U is a multi-channel, panoramic sight stabilized in both vertical and horizontal axes with a built-in laser rangefinder and command guidance module, used with 9M119M missiles. The main advantage of the Sosna-U is the Thales Catherine-FC thermal imager, which extends the detection range of a tank-sized target to 10,500 m and the
:*'''T-72B3 obr.2014''': a special version of the T-72B3, first seen during the 2014 edition of the [[Tank Biathlon]] competition. The most notable upgrades are the stabilized, panoramic, independent PK-PAN commander sight with integrated thermal viewer and a V-92S2 1,000 hp engine.<ref name="T-72B3 red samovar" />
[[File:T-72 B3 (27053439397).jpg|thumb|T-72B3M obr.2016]]
*'''T-72B3M obr.2016''': a further upgrade of the T-72B3, produced since 2016 by overhauling and upgrading old T-72B tanks from storage.<ref>{{Cite web |url=http://tass.com/defense/921184 |title=Russian defense contractor puts new types of armament into production this year |access-date=23 December 2016 |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20161223162841/http://tass.com/defense/921184 |archive-date=23 December 2016 |url-status=live}}</ref> The purpose was to use the same gun, ammunition, ATGM, ERA etc. as the T-90 M tank to simplify supply lines. There is a new gun 2A46M-5 with new anti-tank ammunition Svinets-1 (tungsten) and Svinets-2 (depleted uranium). New 2E58 gun stabilizer is responsible for improved aiming time. 9K119M Refleks-M system is used to launch 9M119M Invar (also called Reflex-M) ATGM through gun barrel. New PK-PAN panoramic commander sight with thermal vision only seen on a limited number of vehicles while all the rest are using older TKN-3MK commander
::*<!-- A source needs to be found using the T-72B3A name. There are photos of official posters using the T-72B3A designation. -->'''T-72B3A (2016)''': Previously described model T-72B3M obr. 2016 with Arena-M active protection system (APS) and Nakidka thermal tarp.<ref>{{Cite web |url=https://crib-blog.blogspot.com/2021/06/t-72b3-obr2016-equipped-with-arena-m-aps.html |title=T-72B3 Obr.2016 equipped with Arena-M APS |access-date=16 July 2025 |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20250716044550/https://crib-blog.blogspot.com/2021/06/t-72b3-obr2016-equipped-with-arena-m-aps.html |archive-date=16 July 2025 |url-status=live}}</ref><ref>{{Cite web |url=https://crib-blog.blogspot.com/2021/07/t-72b3-arena-m-continuation.html |title=T-72B3 Arena-M continuation |access-date=16 July 2025 |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20250716043313/https://crib-blog.blogspot.com/2021/07/t-72b3-arena-m-continuation.html |archive-date=16 July 2025 |url-status=live}}</ref><ref>{{Cite web |url=https://patents.google.com/patent/RU2797958C1/ru |title=RU2797958C1 - Modernized tank with active protection system - Google Patents |access-date=15 July 2025 |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20231026085506/https://patents.google.com/patent/RU2797958C1/ru |archive-date=26 October 2023 |url-status=dead}}</ref><ref>{{Cite web |url=https://tass.ru/armiya-i-opk/19117713 |title=The Russian Ministry of Defense has patented a T-72B3M model with the Arena-M protection system installed |access-date=16 July 2025 |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20231030195007/https://tass.ru/armiya-i-opk/19117713 |archive-date=30 October 2023 |url-status=live}}</ref>
::*Unmanned version of T-72B3M is (as of December 2018) under development.<ref name="urlRobotized T-72s in Russia? - Defense Update:">{{cite web |url=https://defense-update.com/20181209_robotized_tanks.html |title=Robotized T-72s in Russia? - Defense Update |date=9 December 2018 |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20181222082051/https://defense-update.com/20181209_robotized_tanks.html |archive-date=22 December 2018 |url-status=live}}</ref>
:*<!-- The Obr.2022 does not exist, maybe they meant model.2022, which is also an unofficial designation/not real?
:*'''T-72B3M obr.2023''': Modification to T-72B3M Obr. 2022, replacing side and rear slat armor with new [[explosive reactive armour|ERA]] arrays. It is fitted with a standard roof armor cage. By the Fall of 2023, Sosna-U sight shortages were resolved and became standard issue.<ref name="militarnyi.com"/>
*'''T-72B Obr. 2023''': mobilization model, produced by overhauling and upgrading existing 30+ years old T-72B and T-72BA tanks during regular maintenance in armor repair plants. The purpose was to unify different models in order to simplify supply lines. There is brand new dual channel TKN-3TP commander`s sight with thermal vision range 3000 m. New 1PN96MT-02 gunner`s sight (thermal vision range 3500 m, laser rangefinder, ballistic computer) coupled with the old TPD-K1 sight (day channel, ATGM guidance, laser rangefinder 4000 m). Combination of Kontakt-5, 4S24 and Relikt ERA all-around vehicle copied from T-72B3M obr.2022. Anti-RPG net below the turret. These vehicles were made without crosswind sensor and Sosna-U sight because of increased production during the war. Everything else was upgraded to the level of basic T-72B3 (main gun 2A46M-2, gun stabilizer 2E42-4, fire control system 1A40-4, driver's sight TVN-5, steering system, twin-pin tracks, 1000 hp engine, frontal floor plate reinforced against mines, driver seat suspended from the ceiling).<ref>{{cite web |title=Ukraine Situation Report: Russian Tanks Reverting To Cold War Thermal Sights |url=https://www.thedrive.com/the-war-zone/ukraine-situation-report-russian-tanks-reverting-to-cold-war-thermal-sights |date=23 February 2023 |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20231215203919/https://www.thedrive.com/the-war-zone/ukraine-situation-report-russian-tanks-reverting-to-cold-war-thermal-sights |archive-date=15 December 2023 |url-status=live}}</ref><ref>{{cite web| title=Russia Is Refitting Old T-72 Tanks For The War In Ukraine. But It’s Running Out Of Optics. |url=https://www.forbes.com/sites/davidaxe/2023/01/28/russia-is-refitting-old-t-72-tanks-for-the-war-in-ukraine-but-its-running-out-of-optics-for-their-crews/?shɧf62e1422eb5 |date=28 January 2023}}</ref>▼
:*'''T-72B3M obr.2024''': Modification to T-72B3M Obr. 2023, with additional rubber and fabric screens on the rear of the turret.<ref name="militarnyi.com"/>
▲*'''T-
[[File:Army2016demo-032.jpg|thumb|right|BMO-T]]
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===Bulgaria===
* '''T-72M2''' – New night vision and thermal devices, anti-radiation cladding, rubber side skirts, [[C4I]] and IR suppression coating.<ref>{{cite web |url= https://www.armyrecognition.com/defense_news_february_2022_global_security_army_industry/iraqi_army_gets_ex-bulgarian_army_t-72m2_tanks_and_bmp-1_ifvs.html|title= Iraqi army gets ex-Bulgarian Army T-72M2 tanks and BMP-1 IFVs |author=<!--Not stated--> |date= 15 February 2022|access-date= 2 August 2022}}</ref>
* '''T-72M1 Mod. 2022''' – T-72M1 modernised with Elbit's Thermal Imaging Fire Control System, giving the gunner 3rd generation+ thermal imaging capabilities along with a new laser range finder capable of lasing up to 9 km away. The system also includes a [[battlefield management system]], four laser warning receives, a new fire control system with a metrological sensor, new thermal sleeve for the [[2A46 125 mm gun]],
===Croatia===
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* '''T-72A/M1''' - Syrian unmarked modernization. Instead of the TPN-3-49, the T-72 tanks are equipped with thermal imaging sights designated as "Viper-72", locally produced. The maximum range of the sight is up to 4 kilometers. The sight is made of foreign components since 2018.
* '''[[T-72 Adra]]''' – Syrian upgrade featuring slat and spaced armour as extra protection against HEAT.
* '''T-72 Shafrah''' – Syrian upgrade featuring brackets placed on the
* '''T-72M1S''' – Syrian-Italian upgrade with the addition of the Galileo Avionica TURMS-T computerised FCS, including infrared cameras, improved gun stabilisation, stabilised sights for the gunner and the commander, and capability to launch [[9M119 Refleks]] ATGMs. 124 T-72M1s and T-72AVs were upgraded to this standard between 2015 and 2018Very few of the upgraded T-72AVs retained their explosive reactive armour after being upgraded.<ref>{{cite book |last1=Cooper |first1=Tom |title=Syrian Conflagration: The Syrian Civil War, 2011-2013 |date=2022 |publisher=Helion & Company Publishing |___location=Warwick, UK |isbn=978-1-915070-81-4 |edition=Revised |pages=16, I}}</ref>
* '''Golan-1000''' – A rocket system which carries three massive 500 mm rounds, each packed with 500 kg of high-explosive fragmentation ammunition. Built on a T-72 tank chassis, the rocket system has been in use with the Syrian Army since May 2018.<ref>{{Cite web |url=https://www.armyrecognition.com/november_2018_global_defense_security_army_news_industry/gulan_1000_mlrs_used_by_syrian_army_against_daesh.html |title=Gulan 1000 MLRS used by Syrian army against Daesh |date=19 November 2018 |access-date=22 November 2018 |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20181122181931/https://www.armyrecognition.com/november_2018_global_defense_security_army_news_industry/gulan_1000_mlrs_used_by_syrian_army_against_daesh.html |archive-date=22 November 2018 |url-status=live }}</ref>
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