It Was Built for WWIII Against NATO. It Now Fights in Ukraine: The T-72 main battle tank (MBT) is one of the most iconic and widely used tanks in the world. Developed by the Soviet Union during the Cold War, the T-72 has seen extensive service in numerous conflicts and remains in use by many countries today.
For decades it served as the backbone of the Soviet Union. Now, several decades after the dissolution of the USSR, the T-72 still finds itself as one of the mainstays in the Russian army.
T-72: The USSR’s Last Successful Tank
The T-72 was developed as a response to the limitations of its predecessor, the T-64. The design process began in the late 1960s, led by the Uralvagonzavod design bureau under the leadership of Leonid Kartsev and Valeri Venediktov. The goal was to create a more reliable and cost-effective tank that could be produced in large numbers.
The T-72 entered production in 1973 and quickly became the backbone of the Soviet and Warsaw Pact armored forces. Its design incorporated several features which were innovative at the time, including a powerful 125mm smoothbore gun, composite armor, and an automatic loading system, which reduced the crew size to three (commander, gunner, and driver).
While the T-72 is dismissed by many today, at the time of its release, the T-72 was arguably one of the best tanks in the world in terms of firepower and protection. Its 125mm canon could pierce through the armor of any existing tank at the time from great distances. I would not be until the 80s that western tank designs would overtake the Soviet tank.
Technical Specifications
The T-72’s technical specifications have evolved over the years, but the core features have remained consistent. The T-72A variant, for example, weighs 41.5 tons, measures 9.73 meters in length (with the gun forward), 3.59 meters in width, and 2.23 meters in height. It has a crew of three, consisting of the commander, gunner, and driver. The tank is equipped with composite armor and optional explosive reactive armor (ERA). Its main armament is a 125mm 2A46M smoothbore gun, complemented by a 7.62mm PKT coaxial machine gun and a 12.7mm NSVT anti-aircraft machine gun. The T-72A is powered by a V-46-6 V12 diesel engine producing 780 horsepower, allowing it to reach a maximum speed of 60 km/h and an operational range of 500 km (650-700 km with external fuel drums).
Variants and Modernization
Over the decades, the T-72 has undergone numerous upgrades and spawned several variants to enhance its combat capabilities and adapt to changing battlefield requirements. Some notable variants include the T-72A, an early production model with improved armor and fire control systems. The T-72B, introduced in 1985, featuring enhanced armor protection, a more powerful engine, and the ability to fire anti-tank guided missiles (ATGMs).
Finally, the T-72B3, a modernized version introduced in the 2010s, equipped with advanced fire control systems, a new engine, and improved armor. The T-72 has also been produced under license in several countries, including Poland, Czechoslovakia, India, and Iran, each adding their own modifications and improvements.
The Tank That Won’t Go Away
The tank has seen extensive combat since its introduction, participating in numerous conflicts around the world. Some of the most notable engagements include the Iran-Iraq War (1980-1988), where both sides used T-72 tanks extensively, with Iran capturing and operating Iraqi T-72s; the Gulf War (1991), where Iraqi T-72s faced off against the American M1 Abrams, highlighting some of the tank’s vulnerabilities against modern Western armor.
The Yugoslav Wars (1991-2001), where various factions used T-72s during the conflicts in the Balkans; and the Syrian Civil War (2011-present), where the Syrian Arab Army has deployed T-72s in numerous battles, often facing anti-tank guided missiles and improvised explosive devices. And now the Russo-Ukrainian War (2022-present). Despite its age, the T-72 can never seem to go away thanks to decades of modernization efforts.
Assessing the T-72’s Strengths and Weaknesses
The T-72’s design offers several advantages. The tank’s firepower is one of its key strengths, with the 125mm smoothbore gun capable of firing a variety of ammunition types. Modernized variants possess modern fire control systems making it just as accurate as newer tanks.
Its composite armor, combined with optional ERA, provides substantial protection against a range of threats. Additionally, the T-72 is relatively inexpensive and easy to produce and maintain compared to Western MBTs, making it an attractive option for many countries. It’s comparatively lightweight makes it easier to transport across railways and highways, making it easier for logistics.
However, the T-72 also has its weaknesses. The autoloader design places ammunition in the crew compartment, increasing the risk of catastrophic explosions if the tank is penetrated. Anyone who has ever stepped foot in a T-72 can attest that they are not built for crew comfort, with cramped spaces, and uncomfortable seating, which can hamper long term operations. Early models of the T-72 lack advanced fire control systems compared to their modern counterparts, affecting accuracy and target acquisition.
The T-72 certainly deserves its place in tank history. Its combination of firepower, protection, and mobility, along with its cost-effectiveness, has made it a popular choice for many armed forces around the world. While newer tanks have surpassed the T-72 in terms of technology and capabilities, ongoing modernization efforts ensure that this venerable tank remains a relevant and potent force for many years to come.
About the Author: Isaac Seitz
Isaac Seitz, a Defense Columnist, graduated from Patrick Henry College’s Strategic Intelligence and National Security program. He has also studied Russian at Middlebury Language Schools and has worked as an intelligence Analyst in the private sector.
