Analysis: Russian and Ukrainian main battle tanks MBTs in Ukraine conflict
Following information and pictures published on the Internet and Social Networks, Army Recognition Editorial Team makes an analysis of the Main Battle Tanks (MBTs) used by the Ukrainian and Russian armed forces in the conflict currently raging in Ukraine.
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Analysis: Russian and Ukrainian main battle tanks fighting in Ukraine
According to the military balance 2021, Ukraine has a total of around 2,600 main battle tanks: T-64BV, T-64BV Mod 2017, T-64BM Bulat, T-72AV/B1, T-72AMT, T-84 Oplot. It also has a number of tanks in store gathering the following models: T-80, T-72, T-64 and T-55. The Russian armed forces are assumed to have around 12,500 main battle tanks: T-72, T-72A, T-72B, T-72BA, T-72BV, T-72B3, T-72B3M, T-80U, T-80UD, T-80BV, T-80BVM, T-90, T-90A, T-90M.
Russian T-72B1V MBT
Russian Tanks in Ukraine conflict:
T-72B1V:
The T-72B1V MBT (Main Battle Tank) was developed from the Russian T-72B main battle tank. It entered service with the Russian army in 1984. Its turret has a new armor package that provides a much higher degree of protection than any previous model of the T-72. In addition, the glacis plate is fitted with 20 mm of appliqué armor.
The main armament of the T-72B1V main battle tank consists of a 125mm special smoothbore gun/launcher 2A46M. The T-72B1V can not fire the ZUBK14 round that comprises a guided rocket, designated 9M119 AT-11. The second armament includes a 7.62mm coaxial machine gun is mounted to the right side of the main armament and a 12.7mm NSV heavy machine gun is mounted on the commander's cupola. A bank of 81 mm forward-firing electrically operated smoke dischargers is mounted to the left side of the turret. The tank has a crew of three: a driver, a commander, and a gunner.
Russian T-72B Mod 1989
T-72B Mod 1989
The T-72B Mod 1989 has a new armor package including a kontact-5 ERA (Explosive Reactive Armor) instead of Kontact-1, making it able to withstand greater kinetic energy damage (APFSDS, APDS, etc) while keeping its capability against chemical energy (HEAT-FS, ATGM, etc)
The T-72B Mod 1989 has the powerful 2A46M 125 mm smoothbore cannon. It can fire a powerful selection of rounds, each with different uses and similarities between the same types. The secondary armament includes a 12.7mm NSVT machine gun mounted on the commander's hatch, and a 7.62mm coaxial machine gun mounted to the right of the main armament.
Russian T-72BA MBT (Not from Ukraine)
T-72BA
The T-72BA is 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 is also an ERA array on the side skirts. It keeps the same armament as the T-72B series.
Russian T-72B3 MBT (Not from Ukraine)
The T-72B3 is a development of the standard T-72B series currently in service in the Russian army. The T-72B3 version was introduced in 2010 and is considered as a third-generation of Russian main battle tank. The T-72B3 benefits from significantly improved combat characteristics with more firepower, protection, mobility, and command controllability.
The main armament of the T-72B3 is a 125mm 2A46M-5 smoothbore gun fitted with a light-alloy thermal sleeve and a fume evacuator. A 7.62 mm PKTM machine gun is mounted coaxially to the right of the main armament, and a 12.7 mm NSV machine gun is mounted on the commander's cupola. The guided weapon system for the gunner and commander enables the tank to fire the laser-guided missile 9M119 AT-11 `Svir' or 9M119M Refleks at a maximum range of 5,000 meters in the daytime and at night. A bank of 8 81mm forward-firing electrically-operated smoke dischargers is mounted on the left side of the turret.
Russian T-72B3M MBT
The T-72B3M, also called T-72B4, is an upgraded version of the T-72B3 which is the latest modernized version of the T-72. The T-72B3M project was unveiled to the public during the Final of the International Russian army Tank Biathlon competition that took place in October 2014.
The main armament of the T72B3M / T-72B4 consists of a 2A46M5 125-mm smoothbore gun which is a modernized variant of the standard 2A46M cannon, also known as the D-81TM. The cannon can also fire the 9M119 Refleks (NATO designation: AT-11 Sniper) anti-tank guided missile system. The range of the missile spans from 100m to 4,000m and takes 11.7 seconds to reach its maximum range. A 7.62 mm PKTM machine gun is mounted coaxially on the right of the main armament and has 250 rounds of ready-use ammunition. A 12.7 mm NSV heavy machine gun is mounted on the commander's cupola. A bank of 8 smoke grenade dischargers is mounted on the left side of the turret.
Russian T-80U MBT
T-80U
The T-80U is the second-generation T-80 series MBT, U standing for "Uluchsheniye" which means "improved" in the Russian language. The main armament consists of a 125 mm 2A46M-1 smoothbore gun. It carries seven more 125mm rounds than the T-80BV. The cannon can fire the 9M119 Refleks (US/NATO designation: AT-11 `Sniper') semi-automatic laser beam-riding missile that has a maximum range of 5,000 meters.
The secondary armament of the T-80U includes a 12.7mm NSVT machine gun fitted on a pintle mount, and a 7.62 PKT coaxial machine gun mounted on the right of the main armament. Like all members of the T-80 MBT family, the T-80U is fitted with an NBC (Nuclear, Biological and Chemical) protection system, a fire detection and suppression system, and smoke grenade dischargers that can lay a smokescreen by injecting fuel into the exhaust.
Russian T-80UD MBT (Not from Ukraine)
T-80UD
The T-80UD is an upgraded version of the T-80U tank that entered service with the Russian army in 1987. The tank is fitted with a new 6TF two-stroke diesel engine developing 1,100 hp, different transmission and driver controls, and built-in second-generation explosive reactive armor.
The T-80UD is armed with a fully-stabilized 125 mm smoothbore gun, fitted with a carousel-type autoloader. It also fires 9M119 Refleks (AT-11 Sniper) laser-guided anti-tank missiles. The T-80UD is also armed with a 12.7mm machine gun mounted on the commander's cupola. It can be operated under complete armor protection.
Russian T-80BV MBT
The T-80BV is an upgraded version of the T-80B that entered service with the Russian armed forces in 1985. At present, the Russian armed forces have got several thousands of T-80BV tanks, mostly in-store.
The main armament of the T-80BV consists of a 125mm 2A46 smoothbore gun that can fire a full range of ammunition, including APFSDS (Armour-Piercing Fin-Stabilized Discarding-Sabot), HEAT (High-Explosive Anti-Tank), HE-Frag (High Explosive Fragmentation), and training. The cannon can also fire AT-8 `Songster' 9M112 anti-tank guided missile with a range from 100 to 4,000 m. A total of four AT-8 `Songster' ATGWs are carried inside the tank. A 7.62mm PKT machine gun is mounted coaxially on the right of the main gun. A 12.7mm NSVT machine gun is mounted on the commander's hatch to be used against air attacks. Four 81mm smoke grenade dischargers are mounted on each side of the turret.
Russian T-80BVM MBT (Picture not taken in Ukraine)
T-80BVM
The T-80BVM is an upgraded version of the T-80BV main battle tank that was unveiled in 2017 during a military exercise in Russia. It has slightly improved armor protection. It is fitted with a Relikt explosive reactive armor kit providing protection against tandem warheads and reducing the penetration of APFSDS rounds by over 50%. The tank is fitted with rubber side skirts, with built-in armor plates. The rear parts of the hull and turret are covered by cage armor. The T-80BVM is reportedly fitted with a passive countermeasures system, which improves protection against some types of anti-tank guided missiles.
The T-80BVM is armed with a 2A46M-4 125 mm smoothbore gun that has a longer range and is 15-20% more accurate than the 2A46M-1 gun of the T-80BV. The cannon can also fire 9M119M Refleks (Western reporting name AT-11 or Sniper-B) anti-tank guided missiles in the same manner as ordinary munitions, with a range from 4 to 5 km. The secondary armament consists of a coaxial 7.62 mm machine gun and a 12.7 mm machine gun mounted on the commander's hatch.
Russian T-90A MBT
The T-90A main battle tank is the successor of the standard T-90. It entered service with the Russian army in 2005, replacing the aging T-72s and T-80s, then becoming the backbone of the Russian ground forces.
The hull and turret of the T-90A's front sides are fitted with the latest Kontakt-5 ERA third-generation explosive reactive armor, which provides protection against APFSDS and HEAT-type projectiles. In addition to being fitted to the hull and turret, ERA panels are also fitted on either side of the hull front in view of providing lateral protection to the driver's compartment. To improve its battlefield survivability, the T-90A is fitted with the TShU1-7 Shtora-1 countermeasures system that is also fitted on some models of the T-80UD and T-84 (Ukraine) MBTs
The main armament of the T-90A MBT consists of a 125mm 2A46M-5 smoothbore gun that fires conventional types of separate-load ammunition (projectile and charge) including HE-FRAG (high-explosive fragmentation) and APFSDS-T (Armour Piercing Fin Stabilised Discarding Sabot - Tracer). It can also fire 9M119M laser-guided anti-tank rounds with a tandem HEAT (High Explosive Anti-Tank) warhead. The maximum range is set at 5,000 m.
A 7.62 mm 6P7K machine gun is mounted coaxially with the main armament, and a remote weapon station UDP T05BV-1 is mounted on the turret roof, armed with a 12.7 mm NSVT heavy machine gun. This remote weapon station can be laid and fired from within the turret. Mounted on either side of the turret is a bank of six electrically-operated 81 mm smoke grenade launchers that are in a new low-angle configuration compared to those fitted on earlier Russian MBTs.
Ukraine T-64BV MBT
Ukrainian tanks:
The T-64BV is a modernized version of the T-64B main battle tank with an armor upgrade package. The T-64B entered service in 1976. The T-64BV featured enhanced anti-radiation protection and add-on explosive reactive armor (ERA).
The T-64BV is armed with a 125 mm 2A46M-1 smoothbore gun. A 7.62mm coaxial machine gun is mounted on the right side of the main armament. A 12.7mm NSVT machine gun is mounted on the top of the commander's for air defense. It can be operated from inside the tank. Two banks of four smoke grenade dischargers are mounted on the left side of the turret. The 125 mm cannon can also fire the anti-tank guided missile AT-8 Songster (Russian designation: 9K112-1 Kobra) that has a maximum firing range of 4 km.
Ukraine T-64BV Mod 2017 MBT
T-64BV Mod 2017
The Mod 2017 T-64BV is an upgraded version of the T-64BV fitted with a new TPN-1-TGV night vision system, CH-4215 satellite navigation system, and a new radio set. The infrared lantern "Moon" has been removed from the turret. At its place, there are additional protection blocks of dynamic (reactive) armor. According to Ukrainian information, the 2017 T-64BV also received new dynamic protection that greatly counteracts all modern anti-tank weapons.
The T-64BV keeps the same armament as the standard T-64BV
Ukraine T-64BM Bulat MBT (Picture source: Army Recognition)
The T-64BM Bulat is a Ukrainian upgrade of the aging Soviet-era T-64B main battle tank. It is fitted with an add-on passive and Explosive Reactive Armor (ERA). Composite armor is used at the front of the hull and turret.
The T-64BM Bulat tank is armed with a fully-stabilized 125 mm smoothbore gun, fitted with an automatic loader. The maximum effective range of fire is 2 500 m at daytime and up to 1,500 m at night. The cannon can also fire the 9K119 Svir (NATO reporting name: AT-11 Sniper) anti-tank guided missiles with a maximum firing range of 5,000 m. The secondary armament includes a coaxial 7.62 mm machine gun and a remotely operated 12.7 mm anti-aircraft machine gun.
Ukraine T-72AV MBT (this picture does not illustrate a tank of the Ukrainian army)
The T-72AV is a modernized version of the Soviet-made T-72B main battle tank. It is fitted with new armor, a new engine, and new sighting systems. The T-72AV is fitted with a two-man turret. The standard 2A46 main gun is replaced with an improved version 2A46M equipped with a thermal shield, which reduces the environmental effects on the accuracy of fire. A 7.62mm light machine gun is mounted on the right of the main armament. The commander’s cupola is armed with a 12.7mm NSVT heavy machine gun.
The overall layout of the T-72AV is similar to the T-72 MBT series. The T-72AV is protected with Kontakt-1 explosive reactive armor (ERA), including the installation of ERA elements on the lateral rubber skirts to improve protection against antitank weapons. Explosive armor bricks are fitted at the front of the hull and turret. The front parts on each side of the suspension are also fitted with that type of armor.
Ukraine T-72B1 MBT
T-72B1
The T-72B1 is a T-72B without anti-tank guided missile firing capability and is fitted with the T-72A's optics. The main armament consists of a 125mm special smoothbore gun/launcher 2A46M. It can also fire the ZUBK14 round comprising a guided rocket, designated 9M119 AT-11. A 7.62mm coaxial machine gun is mounted on the right side of the main armament. A 12.7mm NSV heavy machine gun NSV machine gun is mounted on the commander's cupola.
Ukraine T-72AMT MBT
The T-72AMT is a Ukrainian upgraded version of the T-72A main battle tank that was unveiled in 2017. New features include a more powerful engine, improved protection and firepower, new sight systems, and communication. The tank is fitted with modules of Kontakt-1 and Nozh (Nizh) add-on explosive reactive armor.
The T-72AMT is armed with a 2A46 125 mm smoothbore gun able to fire standard ammunition as well as the Ukrainian Kombat anti-tank guided missile with a range from 4 to 5 km. The commander's hatch is fitted with a 12.7mm heavy machine gun that can be operated from inside the tank. A 7.62 mm coaxial machine gun is mounted on the right side of the main armament.
Ukraine T-84 Oplot MBT
The T-84 Oplot main battle tank is the result of continued main battle tank development by the Ukrainian company Kharkiv Morozov Machine Building Design Bureau, which is Ukraine's leading design authority for armored fighting vehicles. The Oplot is fitted with an integrated vehicle protection system that includes passive armor, an explosive reactive armor array as well as a number of other tank protection devices optimized against modern anti-tank weapons. They are intended to make the tank considerably less vulnerable to the full range of anti-tank weapons.
The main armament comprises a stabilized 125mm KBA3 smoothbore gun fed by a carousel-type automatic loader and fitted with a thermal sleeve and fume extractor (bore evacuator). The secondary armament consists of a coaxial 7.62 mm machine gun and a remotely controlled 12.7 mm machine gun, mounted on top of the turret.
T-80 MBT not from Ukrainian army
The T-80 was designed and manufactured at the Leningrad Kirov Plant (LKZ) under the direction of Nikolai S Popov, with the prototype being designated Obiekt 219. The tank is a development of the Russian main battle tank T-64. The T-80 was the first Russian-made main battle tank motorized with a gas turbine engine.
The main armament of the T-80 MBT (Main Battle Tank) is composed of the 125 mm 2A46 smoothbore gun as the T-72 with a horizontal ammunition stowage system. The main gun is fed by the Korzina automatic loader that contains up to 28 rounds of two-part ammunition in a carousel located under the turret floor. The armament also includes a 7.62mm PKT coaxial machine gun and a 12.7mm Utes (NSVT-12.7) air defense machine gun. A bank of 81 mm electrically-operated smoke grenade dischargers is mounted on either side of the turret, five on the left and four on the right.
The overall layout of the T-80 MBT is similar to that of the T-64 MBT series. The two-man turret has an inner layer of special armor; the gunner sits on the left and the tank commander on the right. The glacis plate is of the laminate type for improved protection against kinetic energy and HEAT (High Explosive Anti-Tank) attack. The tank can be fitted with a dozer blade carried retracted under the nose of the vehicle.
T-72 MBT (this picture illustrates a tank that does not belong to the Ukrainian army)
The T-72 is a Soviet-made main battle tank that entered production in 1969. It was a development from the T-64 MBT. It has a crew of three: driver, commander and gunner, this reduced number from fur to three being possible thanks to the use of an automatic loading system for the main armament.
The T-72 is protected by composite armor which is equivalent to 410 mm of Rolled Homogenous Armor (RHA). The front armor of the T-72 should resist anti-tank guided missiles while the side armor provides protection against 20mm ammunition.
The main armament of the T-72A consists of a 125 mm (2A46) smoothbore gun fitted with a light-alloy thermal sleeve and a bore evacuator. The tank is fitted with an automatic carousel loader mounted on the turret floor and on the rear wall of the turret.
The secondary armament of the T-72A includes a 7.62 mm caliber PKT machine gun mounted coaxially on the right of the main armament, fed with 250 rounds, and a new design of 12.7 mm caliber NSV machine gun mounted on the commander's cupola.
T-64 MBT (this picture illustrates a tank that does not belong to the Ukrainian army)
The T-64 is a Soviet-era second-generation main battle tank introduced in the early 1960s. It was an evolution of the T-62. It introduced a number of advanced features including composite armor, a compact engine and transmission, and a smoothbore 125-mm gun equipped with an autoloader to allow the crew to be reduced to three, so the tank could be smaller and lighter.
The T-64 has a similar layout to the T-72 with a crew of three but is armed with a 125 mm 2A26M2 smoothbore gun. The secondary armament of the T-64 includes a 7.62 mm PKT coaxial machine gun and a 12.7 mm NSVT machine gun mounted on the commander's hatch.
Ukraine T-55 MBT
The T-55 is a Soviet-ear main battle tank, a derivative of the T-54B, which was adopted for service in 1956 by the Russian armed forces. Developed by Nizhniy Tagil under the designation Obiekt 155, it was a T-54 with a new turret without the rooftop mushroom ventilator dome.
The main armament of the T-55 is a 100 mm D-10T-TS2 gun. A 7.62mm SGMT coaxial machine gun is mounted on the right side of the main armament and a similar weapon located in the center of the glacis plate fires forward and is operated by the driver by pressing a button on the right steering lever. The latest variants are equipped with a 12.7mm DShKM machine gun mounted at the loader's position, to be used against air attacks.