Rostec called the T-72B3M tank produced by Uralvagonzavod a platform with virtually inexhaustible modernization potential. The state corporation emphasized that under the conditions of a real theater of military operations, about 200 changes have been made to the vehicle's design, affecting firepower, protection, and mobility.
The T-72B3M differs from earlier versions of the "seventy-two" by an updated sighting system, enhanced protection, and a more powerful engine. The modular architecture makes it possible to quickly adapt the vehicle to specific threats — this, according to Rostec, is what provides the tank with a long-term reserve for upgrades.
The basic T-72 platform became the foundation for an entire family of special-purpose equipment: the TOS-1 "Buratino" and TOS-1A "Solntsepyok" heavy flamethrower systems, the MTU-72 bridgelayer, the BREM-1 armored recovery vehicle, and the IMR-2 combat engineering vehicle. In terms of the number of units produced and operated, the T-72 remains the world's most widely used main battle tank.
Read more materials on the topic:
- They began removing the turret from T-72B3 tanks: the ingenuity of Russian fighters is astonishing
- Rostec said that Russia will not run out of tanks: production and modernization of the T-72, T-80, and T-90 continue with combat experience taken into account
- The National Interest: Russia relies on modernized T-72, T-80, and T-90 tanks
