Polish-Donated PT-91 Twardy Tanks Allegedly Used by Ukrainian Forces to Attack Russia's Kursk Region.

A video circulating on social media suggests that Ukrainian forces may have used the Polish-donated PT-91 Twardy main battle tank in the Kursk region, located within Russian territory. Although the footage appears to show one of these tanks in action on Russian soil, Ukrainian authorities have not confirmed this information, which remains based solely on the claims made in the video.
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Footage Circulates on Social Media: A Polish-donated PT-91 Twardy tank, allegedly used by Ukrainian forces in an attack on Russia's Kursk region. (Picture source: Social Media)

According to open source information, the Polish-donated PT-91 MBTs (Main Battle Tanks) are in service with the 22nd separate mechanized brigade. In early 2023, during the Russian invasion of Ukraine, the Brigade was reactivated and was armed with ex-Soviet weaponry, such as BMP-1 fighting vehicles, BM-21 rocket-launchers, 2S1 and 2S3 howitzers, and ZU-23 anti-aircraft guns. In addition, it received modernized T-72 tanks, including T-72AMT, T-72 Ural, and the Polish-supplied PT-91 Twardy, as well as American-supplied HMMWV vehicles.

In late July 2022, Poland made a significant contribution to Ukraine's defense by donating approximately 60 PT-91 Twardy tanks. This donation was part of a broader military aid package aimed at strengthening Ukraine's armed forces in their ongoing conflict with Russia. The PT-91 Twardy, a modernized version of the Soviet T-72 tank, features enhanced armor, improved fire control systems, and more powerful engines, making it a valuable addition to Ukraine's military capabilities.

The PT-91 Twardy is a Polish main battle tank developed as a modernization of the Soviet T-72M1, designed to meet the demands of contemporary warfare. Originating in the late 1980s and early 1990s, the PT-91 was developed by Poland's Obrum defense contractor and officially entered service in 1995. The tank represents a significant upgrade over the T-72M1, addressing key areas such as firepower, protection, and mobility.

In terms of firepower, the PT-91 is equipped with a 125mm smoothbore gun, capable of firing a range of ammunition types, including armor-piercing, high-explosive, and anti-tank guided missiles. The gun is paired with an advanced fire control system that significantly improves accuracy and targeting capabilities compared to its predecessor. This system includes a laser rangefinder, a ballistic computer, and a thermal imaging sight, allowing for effective engagement of targets in various conditions, including at night and in adverse weather.

The tank's mobility is enhanced by a more powerful S-12U engine, producing around 850 horsepower, which is an improvement over the original engine used in the T-72M1. This engine allows the PT-91 to reach speeds of up to 60 km/h (37 mph) on roads and provides good cross-country mobility, crucial for modern combat scenarios. The PT-91 is also equipped with a more efficient suspension system, improving its performance over rough terrain.

Protection is another area where the PT-91 stands out compared to the T-72M1. The tank features improved armor, including the Erawa explosive reactive armor (ERA) blocks, which provide additional defense against anti-tank missiles and other armor-piercing weapons. The Erawa ERA is unique in that it covers a significant portion of the tank's surface, including the turret and hull, offering enhanced protection against both kinetic energy penetrators and shaped charges. The PT-91 is also equipped with an anti-aircraft machine gun, smoke grenade launchers, and a laser warning system, all of which contribute to its overall survivability on the battlefield.

The PT-91 Twardy is a comprehensive upgrade of the T-72M1, with improvements in firepower, mobility, and protection that make it a formidable main battle tank. Its development and deployment reflect Poland's commitment to modernizing its military capabilities and ensuring that its armored forces are well-prepared for contemporary combat challenges.

The donation of Soviet-era tanks, like the PT-91 Twardy, by Ukraine's allies is particularly useful because these tanks are familiar to Ukrainian forces, who have extensive experience with similar Soviet-designed equipment. This familiarity reduces the need for extensive training and allows for quicker integration into active service. Additionally, these tanks are often modernized versions with improved armor, firepower, and electronics, enhancing Ukraine's battlefield capabilities while maintaining logistical compatibility with existing infrastructure and supplies. This support bolsters Ukraine's defenses without requiring a complete overhaul of its military systems.