The T-72 is a family of Soviet main battle tanks that entered production in 1973. [8] The T-72 was a development based on the T-64 using thought and design of the previous Object 167M. [9] [10] About 25,000 T-72 tanks have been built, and refurbishment has enabled many to remain in service for decades.

As of February 2023, the Russian Army operates 400 T-72B/BA, 500 T-72B3, and 250 T-72B3M tanks; the Russian Naval Infantry operates 170 T-72B/B3/B3Ms; the Russian Airborne Forces operates 50 T-72B3/B3M; while the 1st Army Corps and 2nd Army Corps operates some T-72A and T-72B tanks.

The T-72B3/B3M’s lacking performance against some of NATO’s most powerful anti tank weapons is thought to have been a primary cause for Russia’s renewed investment in T-90 acquisitions and in a new much more ambitious T-72 upgrade package which was first seen applied in the first week of December.

Unveiled at the prestigious 2006 Russian Arms Expo, the T-72B2 Rogatka promised to revolutionize Russia's venerable T-72 tank platform with cutting-edge enhancements in firepower,...

Sep 16, 2021 · Here’s What You Need to Remember: The latest T-72 upgrades, displayed in 2010, is the T-72B3 and B3M. Intended as a cheaper upgrade than the T-72B2, the B3 program refurbishes old T-72Bs with a...

Feb 2, 2024 · Prior to the introduction of the T-72B3, there were multiple proposals for Russia’s T-72 modernization program, and one of the more impressive proposals which was shown off in the 2006 Russian Arms Expo, and was known as the T-72B2 Rogatka (English translation: Slingshot).

Introduced in Update 1.97 "Viking Fury", the T-72B tank is powerful and competitive. The turret and hull provide excellent protection. However, it continues to lag behind its Western counterparts in mobility and lacks thermal imaging equipment for quick target acquisition.

Nov 23, 2021 · Since its introduction in 1973, the T-72 has been updated over the years with dozens of variants up to the current T-72B3 and T-72B3M variants that are now considered a third-generation tank. The updated T-72B3M has been deployed by Russian forces since 2014 and some saw combat in Ukraine and Syria.

T-72B1 (1985): a much improved version of the T-72 main battle tank, featuring a new engine and main gun, additional armor protection and advanced fire control system among other improvements...

The T-72 MBT was manufactured until the Cold War ended in 1991. Nearly 25,000 T-72s were manufactured and served as the main battle tank for the Red Army armored forces. It was also exported to Warsaw Pact countries, Soviet satellite countries, and arm dealers around the globe.