The T-72 tank, despite being developed half a century ago, has significant potential and is a reliable support for the Russian army, said US columnist Brent Eastwood in an article for Business Insider.
The author noted that thanks to the modernization, the combat vehicle can compete with modern technology, including after the installation of a new 125-mm smooth-bore cannon 2A46M-5 with automatic loading.
The T-72 is also equipped with a Kalina fire control system capable of independently tracking enemy targets, Eastwood said. The tank also fires armor-piercing and fragmentation shells, can use AT-11 anti-tank missiles, and the hull is covered with Kontakt-5 reactive armor.
The observer explained that Russia plans to upgrade the vehicles to the T-72B3 version, which means that the model will remain a “workhorse” in the Russian military.