T-72 operators and variants: Difference between revisions

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Revision as of 10:40, 18 July 2025

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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}} In front-line Russian service, T-72s are being upgraded or augmented by the [[T-90]], itself a modernized version of the T-72B. The T-72 has been exported and produced in many countries.

==Operators==

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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 Kernel Blitz 1997 exercise]]

* {{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.

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* {{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|Ba'athist Iraq|1963}} – 1,000 T-72 Ural (1973), T-72 Ural ''modernization'', T-72M, T-72M1 and Saddam tanks were in service with [[Iraqi Army]] in 1990. 375 T-72 Ural (1973), T-72 Ural ''modernization'', T-72M, T-72M1, Lion of Babylon and Saddam tanks were in service with Iraqi Regular Army in 2003.

* {{flag|Republic of Macedonia|1992}} / {{flag|Macedonia|1995}} / {{MKD}} – 30 T-72A and 1 T-72AK delivered from Ukraine in 1999.<ref>{{cite news |author=Taras Kuzio |date=2001-10-31 |title=UKRAINE FORGES MILITARY ALLIANCE WITH MACEDONIA |url=https://jamestown.org/program/ukraine-forges-military-alliance-with-macedonia/ |url-status=live |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20161220222447/https://jamestown.org/program/ukraine-forges-military-alliance-with-macedonia/ |archive-date=20 December 2016 |access-date=2017-04-17 |newspaper=Jamestown |publisher=The Jamestown Foundation}}</ref> 8 tanks were donated to Ukraine in June 2022.{{Citation needed|date=May 2025}}

* {{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.

* {{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.]]

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| {{AZE}} – 325<ref name="Soviet Armed Forces" />

| {{ARM}} – 246<ref name="Soviet Armed Forces" />

| {{flagicon|Georgia|1990}} [[Georgia (country)|Georgia]] / {{GEO}} – 219<ref name="Soviet Armed Forces" />

| {{KGZ}} – 150

| {{TJK}} – 44

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:*'''T-72A obr.1982g''': Additional glacis armour with thickness of 16&nbsp;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 companyrespective command version,versions battalionfor commandcompanies, versionbattalions and regiment command versionregiments.<ref name="JED The Military Equipment Directory" /><ref name="War Technology" /><ref name="pancerni1" />

:*[[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&nbsp;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&nbsp;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&nbsp;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 companyrespective command version,versions battalionfor commandcompanies, versionbattalions and regiment command versionregiments.<ref name="JED The Military Equipment Directory" />

* '''T-72M-E (Ob'yekt 172M-E)''': Soviet export version armed with the 125&nbsp;mm D-81T smoothbore tank gun with 44 rounds.

::* '''T-72M''' fitted with a French 155&nbsp;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 also is also fitted with 7+5 smoke grenade dischargers on turret front. It was also built in Poland and ex-Czechoslovakia.<ref name="pancerni2" />

:* '''{{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" />

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[[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)''': Export version of the T-72B export version with only 155 ERA bricks, simplified NBC system, no anti-radiation lining etc.

* '''{{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)&nbsp; Equipped with athe new 2A46M main gun with a new 2E42-2 stabilisation system. MuchThere is a much improved version of 1A40-1 fire control system, a 1K13-49 gunner's sight, which allows the use of [[9M119 Svir/Refleks|9M119 Svir]] gun-launched [[anti-tank guided missile]]. Thicker armour, 20&nbsp;mm of appliqué armour on the front of the hull {{citation needed|date=August 2022}}, front and top of the turret were heavily reinforced with composite armour better known by its US codename "Super Dolly Parton". New V-84-1 engine with 840&nbsp;hp (626&nbsp;kW).<ref name="T-72B3 red samovar">{{cite web |title=[Dossier] Le T-72B3, l'ultime modernisation du T-72? |url=https://redsamovar.com/2017/07/29/dossier-le-t-72b3-lultime-modernisation-du-t-72/ |website=Red Samovar |date=29 July 2017}}</ref> On early models, the smoke dischargers were mounted on the turret front (as on the T-72A), later they were grouped on the left side of the turret to prepare for the installation of ERA bricks.

{{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]]

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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&nbsp;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&nbsp;m and the identification range to 3,300&nbsp;m in both day and night conditions and all weathers. The T-72B3 series vehicles also received the new 2A46M-2 main gun which is reportedly equivalent to the [[Rheinmetall 120&nbsp;mm gun|Rheinmetall Rh120 L/44]] cannon. The gun-laying and stabilization drives were also replaced by the new 2E42-4 system, and the AZ ammunition auto-loader was modified to accommodate newer generations of [[125 mm smoothbore ammunition|125 mm smoothbore anti-tank ammunition]]: Vant (depleted uranium) and Mango (tungsten) rounds. There is also a new 9K119 Refleks system, used to launch 9M119 Refleks ATGM through the gun barrel. The B3 upgrade includes a new explosion- and fire-suppression system and an advanced VHF radio system designated R-168-25U-2 AKVEDUK. The variant entered service on 19 October 2012. It was first delivered to the 20th Field Army in summer 2013, and to its Armored Guards Brigade in October 2013. About 2,000 such tanks were in service as of 2020.<ref name="bastion-opk.ru">{{cite web|url=http://bastion-opk.ru/t-72b3-tank/|title=ОРУЖИЕ ОТЕЧЕСТВА, ОТЕЧЕСТВЕННОЕ ОРУЖИЕ И ВОЕННАЯ ТЕХНИКА (ОВТ)ВООРУЖЕНИЯ, ВОЕННАЯ ТЕХНИКА, ВОЕННО-ТЕХНИЧЕСКИЙ СБОРНИК, СОВРЕМЕННОЕ СОСТОЯНИЕ, ИСТОРИЯ РАЗВИТИЯ ОПК, БАСТИОН ВТС, НЕВСКИЙ БАСТИОН, ЖУРНАЛ, СБОРНИК, ВПК, АРМИИ, ВЫСТАВКИ, САЛОНЫ, ВОЕННО-ТЕХНИЧЕСКИЕ, НОВОСТИ, ПОСЛЕДНИЕ НОВОСТИ, ВОЕННЫЕ НОВОСТИ, СОБЫТИЯ ФАКТЫ ВПК, НОВОСТИ ОПК, ОБОРОННАЯ ПРОМЫШЛЕННОСТЬ, МИНИСТРЕСТВО ОБОРОНЫ, СИЛОВЫХ СТРУКТУР, КРАСНАЯ АРМИЯ, СОВЕТСКАЯ АРМИЯ, РУССКАЯ АРМИЯ, ЗАРУБЕЖНЫЕ ВОЕННЫЕ НОВОСТИ, ВиВТ, ПВН|access-date=13 November 2014|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20141011124626/http://bastion-opk.ru/t-72b3-tank/|archive-date=11 October 2014|url-status=live}}</ref><ref>{{cite journal |last1=Wolski |first1=Jarosław |title=PT-91 Twardy – Modernizacja Zamiast Fikcji? |journal=Nowa Technika Wojskowa |date=September 2015|issue=9|page=38}}</ref><ref>{{Cite web |url=https://ria.ru/arms/20161227/1484687295.html |title=Т-72Б3: танк со спортивным характером - РИА Новости, 27 December 2016 |date=27 December 2016 |access-date=16 January 2017 |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20170117000921/https://ria.ru/arms/20161227/1484687295.html |archive-date=17 January 2017 |url-status=live }}</ref><ref>{{cite web|url=http://sdelanounas.ru/blogs/42097/|title="Модернизированные танки Т-72Б3 поступили на вооружение 20-й армии" в блоге "Армия и Флот" - Сделано у нас|work=Сделано у нас|date=14 October 2013 |access-date=13 November 2014|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20141019193416/http://sdelanounas.ru/blogs/42097/|archive-date=19 October 2014|url-status=live}}</ref><ref>[http://www.armyrecognition.com/october_2013_defense_industry_military_news_uk/20th_armoured_guards_brigade_russian_army_has_taken_delivery_of_new_t-72b3_main_battle_tank_i1510132.html ''20th Armoured Guards Brigade has taken delivery of new T-72B3 main battle tank''] {{Webarchive|url=https://web.archive.org/web/20131018054254/http://www.armyrecognition.com/october_2013_defense_industry_military_news_uk/20th_armoured_guards_brigade_russian_army_has_taken_delivery_of_new_t-72b3_main_battle_tank_1510132.html |date=18 October 2013}} – Armyrecognition.com, 15 October 2013</ref><ref>{{Cite web |url=http://www.armstrade.org/includes/periodics/news/2016/0909/132536978/detail.shtml |title=ЦАМТО / Новости / Минобороны России в ближайшее время получит более 300 улучшенных танков Т-72-Б3 |access-date=10 September 2016 |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20160911010824/http://www.armstrade.org/includes/periodics/news/2016/0909/132536978/detail.shtml |archive-date=11 September 2016 |url-status=live}}</ref><ref>{{Cite web|url=https://bmpd.livejournal.com/3935520.html|title=Планы поставок танков в Вооруженные Силы России|date=17 February 2020}}</ref> The cost to upgrade a T-72 to the T-72B3 standard was around 52 million rubles in 2013.<ref name="mil.today">{{cite web | url=http://mil.today/2016/Weapons11/ | title=Russia to Upgrade 150 T-72B Tanks | date=11 March 2016 }}</ref>

:*'''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&nbsp;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`s sight.<ref>{{cite web | url=https://murtiedjokobayu.medium.com/the-essential-guides-to-vehicles-t-72-996d7b9068f | title=The Essential Guides to Vehicles: T-72 | date=22 December 2022 }}</ref><ref>{{cite web | url=https://www.bellingcat.com/resources/2015/05/28/tankspotting-how-to-identify-the-t-72b3/ | title=Tankspotting: How to Identify the T-72B3 | date=28 May 2015 }}</ref> Retained Sosna-U gunner`s sight and crosswind sensor. New Kalina fire control system, although in simplified form.<ref>{{Cite web |url=https://rg.ru/2017/04/06/reg-cfo/foto-pod-moskvoj-zamecheny-neobychnye-tanki.html |title=Фото: Под Москвой замечены необычные танки |date=6 April 2017 |access-date=15 May 2017 |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20170517165133/https://rg.ru/2017/04/06/reg-cfo/foto-pod-moskvoj-zamecheny-neobychnye-tanki.html |archive-date=17 May 2017 |url-status=live }}</ref><ref>{{Cite web |url=http://rostec.ru/news/4520300 |title=Ростех :: Новости :: Новинки парада Победы – 2017 |access-date=15 May 2017 |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20170509034044/http://rostec.ru/news/4520300 |archive-date=9 May 2017 |url-status=live}}</ref> {{Unreliable source?|date=March 2023}} There is new radio communication equipment as well as GLONASS satellite navigation. Driver is using older TVN-5 periscope with additional display from rear view camera. The automotive performance of the tank was improved with a more powerful V-92S2F engine rated at 1,130&nbsp;hp (830&nbsp;kW) coupled to an automatic transmission system and improved drivetrain.<ref>{{cite journal|last1=Wolski|first1=Jaroslaw|title=PT-91 Twardy – Modernizacja Zamiast Fikcji?|journal=Nowa Technika Wojskowa|date=September 2015|issue=9|page=38}}</ref> Protection is improved by Relikt new generation ERA mounted on sides of both hull and turret, while cage armor was added to the rear. [[Kontakt-5]] ERA is retained over the frontal arc and turret top. There is also increased protection against AT land mines. The Russian Defense Ministry ordered several hundred T-72B3M tanks, and received the first twenty in early 2017.<ref>{{Cite web |url=http://tass.ru/en/russia/768012 |title=Russian Defense Ministry to get several hundred T-72B3 tanks |access-date=19 June 2015 |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20150619200759/http://tass.ru/en/russia/768012 |archive-date=19 June 2015 |url-status=live}}</ref><ref>{{Cite web |url=https://ria.ru/arms/20170209/1487602619.html |title=Партия танков Т-72Б3 поступила в части Первой танковой армии в Подмосковье |date=9 February 2017 |access-date=17 February 2017 |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20170218143235/https://ria.ru/arms/20170209/1487602619.html |archive-date=18 February 2017 |url-status=live}}</ref><ref>{{cite web | url=https://armstrade.org/includes/periodics/mainnews/2022/0817/084269022/detail.shtml | title=ЦАМТО / Главное / На форуме «Армия-2022» подписаны 7 и вручены 29 госконтрактов с 26 предприятиями ОПК }}</ref><ref>{{cite web | url=https://armstrade.org/includes/periodics/news/2022/0822/142069133/detail.shtml | title=ЦАМТО / / Сергей Чемезов: «Ростех» на «Армии-2022» заключил с Минобороны контракты на сумму более 130 млрд. рублей }}</ref> The cost to upgrade a T-72 to the T-72B3 obr.2016 standard was around 78.9 million rubles in 2016.<ref name="mil.today"/>

::*<!-- 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://anna-news.info/patent-na-ustanovku-kaz-arena-m-na-tank-t-72b3m/?ysclid=lzwo8p2l6j15572094 |title=Patent for installation of KAZ Arena-M on the T-72B3M tank |access-date=16 July 2025 |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20250716050020/https://anna-news.info/patent-na-ustanovku-kaz-arena-m-na-tank-t-72b3m/?ysclid=lzwo8p2l6j15572094 |archive-date=16 July 2025 |url-status=live}}</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.2022''': It is the most recent upgrade of the T-72B3, based on combat experience gained during the [[2022 Russian invasion of Ukraine]]. New TKN-3TP commander`s sight with thermal vision (range 3000 m) is installed. New TVK-2 driver's dual channel sight (night vision 250 m). The tank is fitted with the same armament as the previous obr. 2016 model, however its protection has been enhanced. Previously, the back of the turret was without any additional protection and now there are metal boxes with Relikt [[explosive reactive armour]] (ERA). Lower parts of the turret are covered by a metal net designed to improve protection against [[rocket-propelled grenade]]s, similar to that of the [[T-90]]M. Additional Kontakt-5 blocks installed right and left of the gun mantlet as well as on the turret top. The void in ERA coverage caused by the smoke grenade dischargers on the turret is now protected by Kontakt-1 ERA. Lower frontal hull plate is now covered with Kontakt-1 ERA. Relikt ERA plates are covering entire length of the chassis, fender/idler area and also attached to cage armor over engine compartment. Mechanism to open the armored protection panel for the Sosna-U sighting system is added, replacing the previous configuration which used bolts that had to be unscrewed manually before combat. Due to shortages, some tanks received a simpler 1PN96MT-02 thermal imaging sight instead of the Sosna-U multichannel stabilized sight.<ref>{{cite web |title=Russia strives to modernize its T-72B3 tanks |url=https://mil.in.ua/en/news/russia-strives-to-modernize-its-t-72b3-tanks/ |website=mil.in.ua |date=6 November 2022}}</ref><ref>{{cite web|url=https://www.armyrecognition.com/defense_news_december_2022_global_security_army_industry/russian_army_receives_new_improved_t-72b3m_tanks_fitted_with_new_armor.html|title=Russian army receives new improved T-72B3M tanks fitted with new armor|website=armyrecognition.com|date=7 December 2022}}</ref><ref>{{Cite web |url=https://militarnyi.com/en/news/russia-updates-t-72b3-tank-modernization-package/ |title=Russia updates T-72B3 tank modernization package |access-date=16 July 2025 |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20250716064724/https://militarnyi.com/en/news/russia-updates-t-72b3-tank-modernization-package/ |archive-date=16 July 2025 |url-status=live}}</ref>

:*'''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>{{Cite web |url=https://militarnyi.com/en/news/russia-updates-t-72b3-tank-modernization-package/ |title=Russia updates T-72B3 tank modernization package |access-date=16 July 2025 |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20250716064724/https://militarnyi.com/en/news/russia-updates-t-72b3-tank-modernization-package/ |archive-date=16 July 2025 |url-status=live}}</ref>

:*'''T-72B3M obr.2024''': Modification to T-72B3M Obr. 2023, with additional rubber and fabric screens on the rear of the turret.<ref>{{Cite web |url=https://militarnyi.com/en/news/russia-updates-t-72b3-tank-modernization-package/ |title=Russia updates T-72B3 tank modernization package |access-date=16 July 2025 |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20250716064724/https://militarnyi.com/en/news/russia-updates-t-72b3-tank-modernization-package/ |archive-date=16 July 2025 |url-status=live}}</ref>

*'''T-72B1 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&nbsp;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/?sh&#615f62e1422eb5 |date=28 January 2023}}</ref>

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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&nbsp;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]], and thermal night time cameras for the driver. The T-72M1 Mod. 2022 is also one of the few T-72s to receive an [[auxiliary power unit]] (APU) that allows the tank to have a "silent watch" capability, allowing it to operate all its system with the engine turned off to save fuel and reduce the tank's thermal emissions and acoustic signature. The tank was modernised locally at "Terem - Khan Krum" EOOD in Targovishte.<ref>{{cite web |url= https://www.janes.com/defence-news/news-detail/bulgaria-unveils-modernised-t-72|title= Bulgaria unveils modernised T-72 |author= Christopher Petrov |date= 21 June 2022|access-date= 3 November 2022}}</ref>

===Croatia===