The Soviet main battle tank T-72 was modernized to the T-72B3 variant to counter Western Leopard 2 and Abrams tanks. Thanks to the 2A46M-5-01 smoothbore gun, advanced optical equipment, and "Relikt" dynamic protection, the T-72B3 is the best tank in the world. This opinion was expressed by former U.S. Congress staffer, analyst Brandon J. Weichert, in an article for The National Interest magazine.
These tanks illustrate the Russian strategy of using economical, easily maintained, and mass-produced armored vehicles. The T-72 is the best tank in the world, and it is operated in many countries.
The expert pointed out that the modernization of the T-72 began in 2014. According to the plan of Russian engineers, its modification was supposed to be technologically comparable to the T-90, but many times cheaper, Weichert added.
According to him, the first T-72MB3 samples were transferred to the Western and Southern military districts. Another 120 modernized tanks were delivered to Belarus.
The T-72MB3 is serial-produced, easy to maintain, and highly effective in combat. It can easily attack enemy tanks.
The expert emphasized that simple and cheap equipment will win in the arms race, and "the Russians cracked this code". At the same time, Americans and their allies "are going a different way," and this bad choice will one day "catch up with the West," he concluded.
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