T-72 operators and variants: Difference between revisions

Revision as of 06:19, 16 July 2025

Revision as of 07:18, 16 July 2025

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::*<!-- 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-72B72B1 Obrobr. 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>

[[File:Army2016demo-032.jpg|thumb|right|BMO-T]]