The Essential Guide to Vehicle: T-72

Contains the essential guides to help visually identify 68 variants of the T-72 main battle tank family.

A Russian Army T-72B3 obr. 2016g during a combat maneuver exercise. (Sputnik)

Introduction

The T-72 is a family of Soviet-designed main battle tanks that entered production in 1971. T-72 was designed as a low-cost, reliable, workhorse tank and was supposed to supplement the more expensive T-64 and T-80 in the Soviet Army. Due to its reliability, the T-72 family saw extensive service even after the breakup of the Soviet Union and has multiple upgrades in order to keep up with the time. These multiple upgrades to the already large T-72 family caused many confusions in the eye of amateur military enthusiasts who wants to identify the T-72 visually. This article is dedicated to overcome those confusions and enable everyone to identify the T-72 family tree visually.

Soviet/Russian Variants

Note:
- Soviet and Russian variants usually come with their introduction year after its variant name. The introduction year is marked by “obr.”, a Russian abbreviation for “obrazets” which translated to model.
- The suffix “V” on the designation name stands for “vzryvnoi” or explosive, indicating that the tank is equipped with explosive reactive armor (ERA).
- These tanks only saw service with the Soviet Union or its fractional states (excl. Russian variants).

• Object 172

Object 172. (Otvaga)

Object 172 was the first T-72 prototype built in 1968. It was armed with a 125-mm D-81TM gun, a new and more reliable V-45K engine with a new engine deck, and a modified T-64 turret with a spent shell casing ejection port. Its hull was also lengthened version of the T-64A but still retains the T-64A’s small road wheels.

An aerial view of the Object 172. Notice the different engine deck compared the T-64A. (Otvaga)

The left side view of the Object 172. Notice the longer hull compared to the T-64A. (Otvaga)

• T-72 obr. 1973g Ural (Object 172M)

T-72 obr. 1973g “Ural” (Object 172M). (TankNutDave)

Ural is the first production variant of the T-72 family. The original Ural resembled the T-64 a lot, especially its turret, which basically a modified T-64A obr. 1971g turret with an added shell ejection port to the rear.

It was armed with a 125 mm D-81TM smoothbore tank gun. The D-81TM gun on the “Ural” can be distinguished from the later 2A46 gun commonly found on Soviet tanks by the fewer ring marks on its barrel. Also, unlike the later T-72 versions, it had the searchlight mounted on the left of the turret. It also has flipper/gill-type armor panels on its side to counter chemical energy projectile. It had the TPD-2–49 coincidence optical rangefinder sight protruding from its turret. It has larger road wheels that delete the necessity of return roller wheels, unlike its counterpart, the T-64.

The command version of the “Ural” is designated the T-72K (Object 172MK) with multiple long-range radio added and carries a 10 m-tall foldable telescopic communication mast. The suffix K1 is for company commander vehicle, K2 for battalion commander vehicle, and K3 for regiment commander vehicle, each with different sets of radios.

The frontal view of T-72 obr. 1973g “Ural” (Object 172M). (RU Military)

• T-72 obr. 1975g Buffalo (Object 172–2M)

Object 172–2M “Buffalo”. (Arkhiv UB3)

The Buffalo is a modernization of T-72 made in the early 1970s. The angle of the front armor slope was changed to 30 degrees. It also featured full metal side-skirts protecting the hull’s sides and added armor screens protecting the turret. On the inside, the ammo storage was increased to 45 rounds. It also has modified suspension, and the engine power was boosted to 840 hp (630 kW). Its infra-red searchlight is still positioned on the left side of the turret and still featured the TPD-2–49 coincidence optical rangefinder sight.

The right side view of “Buffalo”. (Arkhiv UB3)

• T-72 obr. 1976g Ural-1 (Object 172M1)

T-72 obr. 1976g “Ural-1” (Object 172M1). (Vitaly V. Kuzmin)

The Ural-1 is a modernization of the first production “Ural”. The modernization included replacing the main armament from the D-81TM to the 2A46 smoothbore gun, placing the searchlight on the right-hand side of the main armament, and fitting of rubber skirts protecting the hull’s side in place of the flipper type armor panels. It still retains the TPD-2–49 coincidence optical rangefinder sight.

• T-72A obr. 1979g (Object 176)

T-72A obr. 1979g (Object 176) in the foreground. Notice the T-72 “Ural” still sporting the D-81TM gun behind it. (Vitaly V. Kuzmin)

T-72A obr. 1979g is a vastly improved version of the previous versions. The most noticable feature on the T-72A is the large and heavily reinforced Dolly Patron composite armor on its turret cheek. It also has the TPD-2–49 coincidence optical rangefinder from the previous variant being replaced by the TPD-K1 laser rangefinder, added plastic armor track skirts covering the upper part of the suspension with separate rubber panels protecting the sides of the fuel and stowage panniers, and 902A Tucha smoke dischargers in the “7+5” layout on the turret front. Moreover, it has its snorkel stowed on the turret’s rear-left side and the presence of two enclosed equipment baskets to the rear-middle and rear-right sides of the turret.

There is also a command variant of the T-72A obr. 1979g designated the T-72AK (Object 176K) with long-range radio added and carries large foldable telescopic communication mast. The suffix AK1 is for company commander vehicle, AK2 for battalion commander vehicle, and AK3 for regiment commander vehicle, each with different sets of radios.

• T-72A obr. 1983g

T-72A obr. 1983g. (Kubinka Tank Museum)

The obr. 1983g is a minor improvement variant from the obr. 1979g. It got its 2A46 gun replaced by the newer 2A46M-1 gun with thermal sleeve and has additional 16/17 mm armor plating to the upper frontal plate (UFP) of the hull to counter the new DM23 APFSDS. It also has anti-radiation lining added on the turret roof and its turret layout changed. It features three enclosed equipment basket on the rear of the turret and has its snorkel stowage place moved from the rear-left of the turret to above the middle equipment basket.

A close-up view of the T-72A obr. 1983g’s turret front. Notice the 902A “Tucha” smoke grenade dischargers in the “7+5” layout on the front of the turret, the anti-radiation lining on the turret roof, and the layout of enclosed equipment basket and snorkel stowage location. (Vitaly V. Kuzmin)

• T-72AV obr. 1985g

T-72AV obr. 1985g. (Army Recognitions)

T-72AV obr. 1985g is an Kontakt-1 ERA-equipped variant of the obr. 1983g. It has its 902A Tucha “7+5” smoke grenade dischargers in the turret front removed and replaced with 902B Tucha “3+3+2” layout in the left side of turret just in front of the rear-left mounted enclosed equipment basket. The main difference between an ERA-equipped T-72A and T-72B is that the Kontakt-1 ERA on T-72A is taper/V-shaped mounted on the turret front, resembling the Kontakt-5 layout in the later T-72s.

• T-72B obr. 1984g (Object 184)

T-72B obr. 1984g (Object 184). (Reddit)

The T-72B obr. 1984g is a much-improved version with thicker armor with the turret front and top heavily reinforced with thick and almost vertical Super Dolly Parton composite armor, 20 mm of appliqué armor in the front of the hull, and the new 2A46M-1 main gun.

On the inside, it features the new 1A40–1 fire control system and 9K120 system, which gives T-72B 9M119 “Svir” laser-guided anti-tank missile capability, 1K13–49 sight, and a new V-84–1 engine with 840 hp (626 kW).

In early models, the 902A Tucha smoke dischargers were mounted on the turret front (as per T-72A); later, the 902B Tucha were placed on the left side of the turret in the “3+3+2” configuration to prepare for the installation of ERA bricks.

The command version of T-72B, T-72BK (object 184K), is recognizable by having multiple radio antennas and a radio mast stowage under the rear turret bin.

There are also minor versions from the T-72B designated the T-72B1 obr. 1984g (Object 184–1) and its commander version, the T-72B1K (Object 184–1K). The T-72B1 is basically a T-72B with T-72A’s fire control system in order to save cost. Due to this, the T-72B1 lacks the capability to shoot a 9M119 Svir gun-launched anti-tank missile (GLATGM).

• T-72BA obr. 1985g

T-72B obr. 1985g. (Vitaly V. Kuzmin)

T-72BA obr. 1985g is a T-72B obr. 1984g fitted with 227 Kontakt-1 ERA bricks to the hull and turret. The glacis plate and turret are covered with a layer of single ERA blocks, and the turret’s bottom row is mounted horizontally. There’s also an ERA array mounted on the side skirts. The main difference between an ERA-equipped T-72A and T-72B is that the Kontakt-1 ERA placement on T-72B follows the turret’s shape. Some of the T-72B1 obr. 1984g tanks were also upgraded to this standard, but designated as the T-72B1 obr. 1985g.

This variant is often mistakenly called T-72BV.

• T-72BV obr. 1985g

T-72BV obr. 1985g. (Defence Talks)

T-72BV obr. 1985g is a T-72B obr. 1984g model fitted with 111 Kontakt-1 ERA bricks to hull front and turret. The main distinction between T-72BA and T-72BV is that the T-72BV lacks the horizontally-mounted ERA bricks on the lower cheek of the turret, the lower part of the upper frontal hull plate (UFP), and the sides.

• T-72B obr. 1989g

T-72B obr. 1989g. (Vitaly V. Kuzmin)

T-72B obr. 1989g is a T-72B equipped with the advanced Kontakt-5 ERA that could defeat kinetic energy (KE) rounds. The Kontakt-1 and Kontakt-5 ERA’s main distinction is that the Kontakt-1 bricks are exposed to the elements and can be detonated by small-arms fire. In contrast, the Kontakt-5 bricks are grouped into a group of three (two mounted vertically and one horizontally) inside a 16 mm-thick armor plate, and the ERA visually appears as a single large plate. This variant is often incorrectly called T-72BM or T-72B(M) in a few documents.

• T-72B obr. 1990g

T-72BA1 obr. 2005g. The only visual difference is the cross-wind sensor at the rear-top of the turret. (Vitaly V. Kuzmin)

A T-72B obr. 1989g additionally fitted with a new fire control system (FCS), cross-wind sensor, a new, improved commander cupola with larger sight, and a new V-92S2 engine.

There are minor variants of obr. 1990g designated as T-72BA1 obr. 1998g (Object 184A) and obr. 2005g (Object 184A1). There are no visual differences between the original and subvariants. However, the T-72BA1 is equipped with a V-84MS engine and a new digital FCS that enable the use of TBV digital ballistic computer.

• T-72BI obr. 1992g (Object 187)

Object 187–1, the first prototype. (Kubinka Museum)

Object 187 (T-72BI obr. 1992g) is a Soviet experimental main battle tank (MBT) developed between the late 1980s and the early 1990s. It was based on the T-72B obr. 1989g and obr. 1990g. Its most distinguishable features are the replacement of the 125 mm 2A46M-1 gun with the newer and more powerful 125 mm 2A66 smoothbore gun, the integration of Shtora-1 soft-kill APS, and the new welded box-shaped turret. There are six different prototypes with each of them has their own unique features. For more details about this tank, you can visit my previous article for this tank in Meet Object 187: The Other T-90. Known details of the classified tank.

• T-72BU obr. 1992g (Object 188; T-90 obr. 1992g)

T-72BU obr. 1992g (T-90 obr. 1992g). (RecoMonkey)

The T-72BU obr. 1992g was actually designed for a project to replace the T-64, T-72, and T-80 then in Russian Army service. Due to some political and marketing reasons, the T-72BU obr. 1992g was renamed to T-90 obr. 1992g. It also served as the cheaper alternative to Object 187. Like Object 187, the T-90 obr. 1992g was also based on the T-72B obr. 1989g and obr. 1992g with some features taken from the T-80UM1. The most distinguishable feature of this tank is the integration of the Shtora-1 soft-kill APS and commander RCWS. It also has uneven Kontakt-5 ERA placement on its turret due to its cast nature.

T-90 obr. 1992g (T-72BU or Object 188). (Kubinka Museum)

• T-72B1MS obr. 2012g White Eagle

T-72B1MS obr. 2012g “White Eagle”. (Defence Brief)

The White Eagle is a modernized T-72B1 by Oboronprom company (now part of Rostec). Mechanical properties of the tank are the same as regular T-72B1, with the same engine, weapon, armor and Kontakt-1 ERA package.

Externally, the difference between T-72B1 and other Kontakt-1-equipped T-72B is by the appearance of a remote-controlled weapon station (RCWS) on the commander cupola, a cross-wind sensor, and a large tube-shaped Eagle’s Eye commander’s independent thermal viewer (CITV) at the back of the turret. Due to the presence of thermal sights, the IR searchlight on the turret front is no longer needed and thus removed.

Internally, electronics are heavily upgraded, including a front and rear camera for the driver, driver digital display, GPS/GLONASS navigation system, Sosna-U thermal gunner sight, target-tracking system, and chassis management system

• T-72B2 obr. 2006g “Rogatka” (Object 184M)

T-72B2 obr. 2006g “Rogatka” (Object 184M). (Pinterest)

Rogatka is a proposed upgrade for the T-72B. The upgrades drastically change the external look of the tank itself. Armor-wise, it is equipped with the new Relikt 3rd generation ERA blocks, rubber skirts on the turret to prematurely detonate chemical energy (CE) rounds, and covered in Nakidka thermal camouflage kit with the rear and side of the vehicle covered in cage armor. It also sports the new low-dispersion 125 mm 2A46M-5 smoothbore gun with a muzzle reference system. The gunner sight is also upgraded with a Catherine-FC thermal imaging system and marked by a box-shaped housing on top of the left side of the turret. Due to the presence of thermal sights, the IR searchlight on the turret front is no longer needed and thus removed. The other visible upgrade is the two Shtora-1 laser warning system (LWS) modules mounted on top of the gun mantlet. For mobility, its engine is replaced with the newer V-92S2 diesel engine capable of producing up to 1,000 hp.

T-72B2 obr. 2006 “Rogatka” (Object 184M). (Pinterest)

• T-72B3 obr. 2013g (Object 184-M3)

T-72B3 obr. 2013g, also referred to as T-72B3 obr.2012g several in documents, is an upgrade for the old Soviet T-72B tanks in reserve at that time. The upgrade replaced the 2A46M-1 gun on the original T-72B with the more modern 2A46M-5, but unlike the Rogatka, the gun does not equip with MRS. The other externally visible upgrade is the boxed-shaped Sosna-U sight with the Catherine-FC thermal imaging system that could extend the detection range up to 10,500 m and the identification range of up to 3,500 m. The Sosna-U panoramic multi-spectral sensor is also supported by a crosswind sensor on the back of the turret. Even though it already has a new sight, it still retains the old 1A40–4 FCS with 1K13–49 sight (visible in front of Sosna-U housing), serving as an auxiliary sight. The Catherine-FC’s presence deletes the necessity of an infra-red searchlight on the turret front but still retains two smaller ones on both of the gunner and commander’s copula. The absence of the main infra-red searchlight enables more ERA placement, thus decreasing the weak spot on the turret.

Other upgrades that are not visible from outside are: the new 2E42–4 gun stabilization system, the new AZ autoloader system that enables the storage of new and longer Svinets depleted-uranium (DU) APFSDS shells, the new R-168–25U-2 AKVEDUK VHF radio, and the new 1,000 hp V-92S2 engine that offers better acceleration than the earlier versions.

• T-72B3M obr. 2014g

T-72B3M obr. 2014g. (Vitaly V. Kuzmin)

T-72B3 obr. 2013g modified specially for Tank Biathlon. Features the stabilized, panoramic, independent commander’s PK PAN sight with integrated thermal viewer (CITV) on the back of the turret, situated just in front of the spent shell casing ejection port.

Rear view of the T-72B3M obr. 2014g. The CITV position is just in front of the spent shell casing ejection port. (Vitaly V. Kuzmin)

• T-72B3 obr. 2016g

T-72B3 obr. 2016g. (Vitaly V. Kuzmin)

The T-72B3 obr. 2016g, also referred to as T-72B3M in several documents, is the next upgrade of T-72B3 obr. 2013g in order to lengthen the tank’s service life. The most noticeable aspect of this upgrade is the integration of the 3rd generation Relikt ERA to the hull and turret side. Even though it received a newer ERA package, it still retains the 2nd generation Kontakt-5 ERA to the frontal hull, turret, and roof. It also has cage armor attached to its rear turret and the side of the hull that is not covered by the Relikt-equipped side skirt. A small number of tanks from this variant are also equipped with PK-PAN commander independent thermal viewer (CITV) to the turret’s rear found on the T-72B3M obr. 2014g. It is also equipped with the new V-92S2F diesel engine capable of generating up to 1,130 hp for better acceleration.

Due to Russian experience in urban combat, there is also an additional armor upgrade package available. The upgrade is called the UBH (uluchshennyye boyevyye kharakteristiki, or improved battle characteristic) package. The UBH upgrade added the 2S24 soft ERA (each containing multiple angled-mounted Relikt ERA) package on the side track skirts, doubling the already Relikt-reinforced side skirts.

T-72B3-UBH obr. 2016g. Notice the addition of 2S24 soft ERA package on the track’s skirts. (VPK)

Soviet Export Variants

• T-72 obr. 1975g (Object 172M-E/E1)

T-72 (Object 172M-E1). (Tankograd)

An export variant of the T-72 Ural (Object 172M) with simplified FCS for Warsaw Pact countries, Iraq, and Syria. It was also built in Poland by Bumar-Łabędy and designated as -E1. Its external appearance is the same as the original T-72 Ural, with the only way to distinguish them is by recognizing the insignia of the tank. If it does not belong to the Soviet Union, it is an Object 172M-E/E1.

• T-72M (Object 172M-E2/E3/E4)

A Czech Republic T-72M (Object 184-E3)

An export version of the T-72A obr. 1979g (Object 176) with simplified FCS. The prefix -E2 and -E4 is for tanks made in Soviet Union, -E3 is for tanks made in Czechoslovakia and Poland. An unlicensed version of this tank was also produced in Iraq as the Saddam tank. In East German service, it was known as the KPz (Kampfpanzer) T-72M. It does not have any visual difference from the T-72A obr. 1979g. The only way to distinguish them is by recognizing the insignia of the tank. If it does not belong to the Soviet Union, it is a T-72M.

The -E2 tanks still retains the flipper/gill type side skirts from earlier variant.

T-72 (Object 172M-E2). (Tankograd)

• T-72M1 (Object 172M-E5/E6)

An East German T-72M “Übergangsversion” (T-72M1; Object 172M-E5). (hjak)

An export version of the T-72A obr. 1983g with simplified FCS and without anti-radiation lining. The prefix -E5 is for tanks made in Czechoslovakia, Poland, and the Soviet Union, while -E6 is for tanks made in India under the designation Ajeya Mk. 1. An unlicensed version of this tank was also produced in Iraq as the Asad Babil. In East German service, it was known as the KPz T-72M Übergangsversion. It does not have any visual difference from the T-72A obr. 1983g other than the absence of the anti-radiation lining. The easiest way to distinguish them is by recognizing the insignia or the operator of the tank. If it does not belong to the Soviet Union, it is a T-72M1.

• T-72M1V

A Syrian Arab Army T-72M1V. (Pakistan Today)

An upgraded version of T-72M1 with Kontakt-1 ERA bricks added. It can also be considered as the export version of T-72AV obr. 1985g. with simplified FCS. The Kontakt-1 ERA bricks were also produced in Czechoslovakia and Poland in limited numbers, and also produced in large numbers in India. The Indian locally-produced version of this tank is known as the Ajeya Mk. 2.

• T-72M1M (Object 172M-E7)

T-72M1M (Object 172M-E7). (Kubinka Tank Museum)

An export version of the Soviet T-72B obr. 1984g or can be served as the upgrade package for the T-72M1 to the T-72B standard. The main distinction with other T-72B family is the integration of Shtora-1 soft-kill APS (infra-red dazzler only) and Arena hard-kill APS on its turret.

• T-72M1M1 Shilden (Object 172M-E8)

A Syrian Arab Army T-72M1M1 “Shilden” (Object 172M-E8). (Reddit)

The Shilden, also referred to as T-72S obr. 1987g Shilden, is an export version of T-72B with only 155 Kontakt-1 ERA bricks, simplified NBC system, and without anti-radiation lining. Some of the examples have its ERA layout upgraded to the 227 blocks standard of the T-72BA obr. 1985g. Some also have been fitted with newer FCS and cross-wind sensor mast in the rear of the turret. The subvariant that does not has the capability to shoot Svir GLATGM is known as the T-72S1.

The original layout of the 155 ERA bricks of the T-72S (Object 172M-E8). (Soviet/Russian Armor and Artillery Design Practices: 1945–1995)

Other Variants, Derivatives, and Further Developments

• M-84

A Serbian Army M-84A. (Srđan Popović)

M-84 was originally a Yugoslavian version of the T-72M with several modifications, such as an indigenous variant of the 125 mm 2A46 smoothbore gun, improved SUV-M-84 computerized FCS, improved composite armor, and a new 1,000 hp V-46TK diesel engine. M-84A1 is the Yugoslavian version of the T-72M1 with the same modifications as the M-84. The M-84 improves over time with the introduction of the Yugoslavian prototype M-91 Vihor, the Serbian M-84AB1 (M-84 upgraded to T-90 standard), M-84AS1, the Croatian M-84D, and M-95D Degman. The M-84 does not have any visual difference from the T-72M or T-72M1. The only way to distinguish them is by recognizing the insignia of the tank. If it belongs to Yugoslavia and its fractional states or Kuwait, it is an M-84.

A Yugoslavian M-91 “Vihor”. (Military Today)

A Serbian M-84AS1. (mod.gov.rs)

A Serbian M-84AB1. (Srđan Popović)

A Croatian M-84D. (Pinterest)

A Croatian M-95D “Degman”. (Đuro Đaković Specijalna Vozila D.D)

• PT-91 Twardy

A Polish PT-91 “Twardy”. (Pibwl)

Twardy is the result of Polish further development of the T-72M1 built under license by the Bumar Łabędy. Changes from the T-72M1 include a new dual-axis stabilized FCS, an indigenous Erawa-1 ERA, a more powerful engine, transmission, and a new autoloader. The Twardy also improves over time. The most known improved version of the Twardy is the PT-91M Pendekar in Malaysian service, which uses the new Erawa-2 ERA and other improvements. The most noticeable difference between the Twardy and any other T-72 variant is the unique, vertically placed Erawa series ERA on the turret front.

• T-72AG/MP

A Ukrainian T-72MP. (KMDB)

Ukrainian upgrade versions of the T-72B. Both features the components derived from the T-80UD, such as the 1,000 hp 6TD-1 diesel engine with its rear engine deck and Kontakt-5 ERA armor modules layout.

The difference between the T-72AG and the T-72MP is that the T-72MP features the new Shtora-1 soft-kill APS and the new French SAGEM SAVAN-15MP FCS but retains the obsolete 2E42–2 stabilization system and 2A46M gun, while the T-72AG features the new 2A42M stabilization system, TPN-4 Buran-Catherine thermal sight, and 2A46M-1 gun.

A Ukrainian T-72AG. (KMDB)

• T-72–120

A prototype of the Ukrainian T-72–120. (Pinterest)

A further upgrade to the T-72MP, it features the new 120 mm KBA-2 smoothbore gun that can fire NATO rounds, new bustle-mounted autoloader derived from the Leclerc tank, and 2A42-M stabilization system. The T-72–120 is noticeable from its long turret bustle.

• T-72AMT

A Ukrainian T-72AMT. (VoidWanderer)

Another Ukrainian upgrade for the T-72B, the T-72AMT features the Kontakt-5 ERA armor modules from the T-80UD on its turret and hull side that can be subtituded by the Nozh ERA, while it still retains the old Kontakt-1 ERA bricks on its frontal hull. Its FCS is still the same as the original T-72B but has been adapted to fire the indigenous Kombat GLATGM.

• T-72E

A Ukrainian T-72E. (Tumblr)

T-72E is another Ukrainian upgrade for the T-72B. The T-72E’s turret front, sides, and top are homogeneously protected by Nozh ERA while retains the Kontakt-1 ERA bricks on the hull front and sides. It also features a large but low observable turret bustle and a commander-operated RCWS. The engine is upgraded with the 1,050 hp 5TDFMA-1 multi-fuel diesel engine.

• T-72UA1

A Ukrainian T-72UA1. (Military Today)

T-72UA1 is a relatively simple upgrade developed for the T-72B. It features the Nozh ERA modules on the turret front and analogue to the one on T-80UD/T-84, but retains the Kontakt-1 ERA bricks on the hull. The original V-46 engine was replaced with a newer 5TDFMA two-stroke diesel making 1,050 hp (775 kW) and fitted with an enhanced cooling system for use in tropical environments, which allows the tank to be operated for extended periods at temperatures exceeding 55 °C. This is the only Ukrainian T-72B upgrade variant that has seen commercial success.

• T-72M1A

A Slovakian T-72M1A. (Pinterest)

T-72M1A is an upgrade variant for the Czechoslovakian T-72M1 (Object 172M-E6) in Slovakian service. The most distinguishable features of this tank is the vertically mounted Dyna-72 ERA armor package around the turret with a flat front section, SGS-72A commanders stabilized passive sight on the rear of the turret, new gunner sight housed in a dog house configuration, a laser warning system (LWS) above the gun mantlet, and MB smoke grenade dischargers on the each side of the turret.

Other unnoticeable upgrades are fire detection and suppression system, improved transmission, improved hull floor protection, modified electrical harness, PNK-72 driver’s night sight, SGS-72A commanders stabilized passive sight, S12U diesel engine, and Slovenian EFCS3–72A fire control system.

• T-72M2 Moderna

The second prototype of the T-72M2 “Moderna”. (TankNutDave)

Moderna is a proposed upgrade for the Czechoslovakian-made T-72M and T-72M1 in Slovakian service, which was revealed in 1993. There are two prototypes to this tank. Both prototypes feature the Slovakian-upgraded 125 mm 2A46MS smoothbore gun, the SAGEM SAVAN-20 commander panoramic sight found on the French Leclerc tank, the new Dyna-72 ERA neatly arranged on the turret (the second prototype has its ERA arranged more evenly), cross-wind sensor, and S12U diesel engine commonly found on PT-91 Twardy. Even though both prototypes acquire a new FCS analog to the Leclerc, it still retains the old 1K13–49 gunner sight.

The first prototype features two Swiss Oerlikon 20 mm/85 KAA autocannon, one on each side of the turret. In the first prototype, the Dyna-72 ERA only covers the hull and turret front and does not feature the cage armor on the rear.

The second prototype features a single 30 mm 2A42 cannon taken from the Czechoslovakian-produced BVP-2 infantry fighting vehicle (IFV) located in the commander side of the turret, a new LWS, Dyna-72 ERA protection to the side of the hull and turret, and cage armor to the rear of the tank.

The first prototype of the T-72M2 “Moderna”. (Reddit)

• T-72M4CZ

T-72M4CZ. (Czech Defence Journal)

The T-72M4CZ is an upgrade for Czechoslovakian T-72M1 in Czech service. Externally, the upgrade features the indigenous Dyna-72 ERA to the turret and hull front, the Polish-made Obra LWS integrated with DGO-1 smoke grenade dischargers on each side of turret, and the Italian-made TURMS-T FCS commonly found in C1 Ariete tank with its dog house placement on the gunner side of the turret and Attila CITV on the commander side of the turret. Despite getting many improvements, it still retains the old 2A46M-1 smoothbore gun and its 2A28M stabilization system but with added MRS on its barrel.

On the inside, it features the new Perkins CV12–1000 water-cooled diesel engines capable of generating up to 1,000 hp (740 kW) coupled with Nimda XTG-411–6 automatic transmission, a Deugra fire suppression system, REDA NBC suite, and DITA 72/97B auto-diagnostic system.

• T-72 Scarab

T-72 “Scarab”. (Armed Conflicts)

Scarab is the newest Czech upgrade for the T-72M1 after the T-72M4CZ was deemed too expensive, first revealed in 2017. It was fitted with a new passive composite armor coupled with Dyna-72 ERA in a low radar cross-section (RCS) arrangement and cage armor to the rear of the turret. It is also equipped with a Russian V-84 diesel engine. It does not feature any FCS improvements and still retains the old 125 mm 2A46M-1 smoothbore gun, 12.7 mm NSVT on the commander’s cupola, and 7.62 mm PKT machine gun on its coaxial mount.

• T-72 Adra

T-72 “Adra”. (VPK)

The Adra is a Syrian upgrade for its T-72M1 tanks. Due to its experience dealing with urban combat in the Syrian Civil War and arms embargo, Syrian Arab Army require a quick and affordable upgrade for its T-72M1 fleet to reduce the losses in urban combat. The Adra consists of spaced armor around the turret and at the front of the hull, with the spaced armour and chassis being covered in a layer of slat/cage armour. The turret ring is also protected by steel chains which hang from the turret and are weighed down with steel balls, in the hope that they will offer similar performance to slat armor, but with more flexibility, however these are rarely effective and usually do not detonate the projectile.

A T-72 “Adra” belonging to the Republican Guards of the Syrian Arab Army in actions. (Twitter)

• T-72S Sniper

T-72S “Sniper” in a T-72M1V configuration. (Military Review)

The Sniper, also referred correctly as T-72M1V (TURMS-T) and incorrectly as T-72AV (TURMS-T), is an upgrade for Syrian T-72M1 tanks with the help of Italian firms. It features the thermal-capable TURMS-T and Attila CITV that replaced all the previous optics and newer tungsten round. The tank’s 125 mm 2A46M-1 gun is also fitted with MRS on its end. Some of the Sniper tanks are also upgraded with additional Kontakt-1 protection of the T-72M1V.

T-72S “Sniper” in a T-72M1 configuration. (Military in the Middle East)

• T-72 Tiger

Frontal view of the T-72 “Tiger”. (Bob Adams)

The Tiger is an upgrade offered by the South African ATE company for the T-72M. The upgrade includes full day/night combat capabilities for crew and driver, new FCS, and retention electro-hydraulic stabilization. Perhaps the most noticeable feature of the upgrade is the presence of two 360-degree capable thermal sights for both the gunner and the commander, with the commander’s sight situated on the left-front part of the turret in place of the 902A Tucha SGD.

Left side view of the T-72 “Tiger”. (Flickr)

• T-72SIM-1

Georgian soldiers, 44th Armored Battalion, drive a T-72 tank towards a fighting position during a combined training exercise, Vaziani, Republic of Georgia, Aug. 6, 2017. Noble Partner 17 supports Georgia in conducting home station training of its second NATO Response Force (NRF) contribution. Noble Partner will further enhance NRF and Operational Capabilities Concept interoperability and readiness in order to support regional stability. (U.S. Army photo by Sgt. Kalie Jones)

T-72SIM-1 is an upgrade for Georgian Army T-72A obr. 1983g inherited from the Soviet Union, and T-72M1 bought from Czechia. It features the integration of Kontakt-1 ERA of the T-72AV/M1V standard and SKO-1T DRAWA-T fire control system commonly found in the Polish PT-91 Twardy. The only noticeable feature of this tank is the replacement of the laser rangefinder with the Polish FCS. The easiest way to distinguish the T-72SIM-1 from other variants is by recognizing the insignia or the operator of the tank. If it belongs to the Georgian Army, it is a T-72M1.

• TR-125

An Romanian TR-125 preserved as a statue. (Pinterest)

The TR-125 (TR-125 stands for Tanc Românesc 125 — Romanian Tank 125) is the redesigned T-72M made in Romania with Romanian components only. It is one meter longer than the standard T-72 and has modified suspension with seven pairs of road wheels instead of the normal six. It also features the indigenous 125 mm A555 smoothbore cannon in place of the 2A46 gun.

• T-72 Raksh

T-72 “Raksh”. (Israel Defence)

The Raksh is a unique version of the T-72 made by Iran. They integrated the T-72S hull with the T-80U turret while still retaining the 2A46M-1 smoothbore gun. It is also fitted with Kontakt-5 ERA on its turret and hull side with slat/cage armor protecting the tank’s rear while also still retaining the Kontakt-1 ERA on its frontal hull. Other noticeable upgrade is the integration of dog house type gunner thermal sight with new FCS.

• Karrar

“Karrar” tank. (Global Military)

The Karrar is a new tank that was based on the Iranian license-produced T-72S. It features the new 2A46M-5 gun, new commander-controlled RCWS, new FCS and thermal sight in a dog house, and Kontakt-5 protection to the turret and hull side while still retains the Kontakt-1 on the hull front.

How to Distinguish T-72 from T-64, T-80, and T-90

There are many differences between these tanks, but they look similar to untrained eyes.

Tracks

T-72’s tracks are different from the others. It has six large drive wheels (all of them are intertwined) with no return roller wheels, while the T-64 has six small drive wheels (all of them are separated from each other) with four return rollers. The T-80 also has six large drive wheels but also complemented by five return roller wheels. The T-80’s third and fourth drive wheels are intertwined. The T-72 and T-90 have almost no difference in the tracks.

T-64A obr. 1971g. (Military Today)

Left side view of theT-80U obr. 1987g. (Tank Encyclopedia)

Turret

The T-72’s turret placement is in the middle between the front and rear side of the hull, while the T-64’s turret is more situated to the rear of the vehicle. The other difference is ERA placement. T-64 and T-80 Kontakt-1 ERA placement on the turret is always in the V-shaped/taper mounted. Other than that, the rubber skirts always complement the placement of the Kontakt-5 ERA on the T-80U.

Another T-72’s unique noticeable feature is its turret shaped. Due to its Dolly Patron and Super Dolly Patron composite armor, its turret front is bulkier and almost flat, while the T-64 and T-80 turret have a more rounded shape.

The T-90A could be differentiated from the T-72 by its box-shaped welded turret and the evenly arranged Kontakt-5 on its turret. The other T-90, the T-90 obr. 1992g is distinguishable from the T-72 with its Shtora-1 infra-red dazzler attached to the turret front.

The last feature on the turret that can be used to distinguish T-72 from others is its 14.5 mm NSVT machine gun on the commander’s cupola. The T-72’s NSVT always faces rearward if not being used, while the NSVT on T-64, T-80, and T-90 always faces forward whether it is being used or not because it is integrated into the commander’s sight with the RCWS system.

T-64BV obr. 1985g. (Army Recognition)

T-64BV obr. 1985g with its ERA removed. (RecoMonkey)

T-80BV obr. 1985g. (Vitaly V. Kuzmin)

T-80U obr. 1987g. (GoodFon)

T-80U obr. 1987g with its ERA removed. (Twitter)

T-90A obr. 1992g (foreground) and T-90A obr. 2006g “Vladimir” (background). Notice the obr. 1992g cast turret with its unevenly placed Kontakt-5 ERA and the obr. 2006g welded turret with its evenly placed Kontakt-5 ERA. (BTVT)

Reference:

• 72 main battle Tank Gary’s combat VEHICLE reference guide. (n.d.). Retrieved March 09, 2021, from http://www.inetres.com/gp/military/cv/tank/T-72.html
• Foss, C. F. (2005). Jane’s armour and artillery: 2005–2006. Coulsdon (Surrey): Jane’s Information Group.
• Oryx. (2021, March 01). The oryx Handbook of IRANIAN fighting vehicles. Retrieved March 08, 2021, from https://www.oryxspioenkop.com/2020/01/the-oryx-handbook-of-iranian-fighting.html
• Soviet/Russian armor and artillery design practices: 1945–1995. (1996). Quantico, VA (3300 Russell Rd, Quantico 22134–5011): Marine Corps Intelligence Activity.
• Zaloga, S. J., & Bryan, T. (2009). T-80 Standard Tank: The Soviet Army’s Last Armored Champion. Oxford: Osprey Publishing.
• Zaloga, S., & Markov, D. (2001). The T-72 and T-90 tank. Hong Kong: Concord Publications.
• Zaloga, S., & Rodríguez, F. (2018). T-90 standard tank: The first tank of the new Russia. New York: Osprey Publishing.
• Zaloga, S., & Tooby, A. (2015). T-64 battle tank: The Cold War’s most secret tank. Oxford: Osprey Military.
• Zaloga, S., Jerchel, M., Sewell, S., & Sarson, P. (1993). T-72 main battle tank: 1974–1993. London: Osprey.