Belarus will use modernized version of T-72B main battle tank at Tank Biathlon 2016 in Russia TASS 11507161

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Belarus will use modernized version of T-72B main battle tank at Tank Biathlon 2016 in Russia.
Belarussian modernized T-72B main battle tanks (MBT) are going to take part in the Tank Biathlon 2016 competition, according to a source in Russian defense industry.
     
Belarussian modernized T-72B main battle tanks (MBT) are going to take part in the Tank Biathlon 2016 competition, according to a source in Russian defense industry. Belarusian Army T-72B main battle tanks rolling down Victors' Avenue at the 2015 Victory Day Parade in Minsk, Belarus.
     
"Belarus is going to use its own upgraded tanks during Tank Biathlon 2016, as well as the People`s Republic of China (PRC). Belarussian modernized T-72B MBT has received Sosna-U optical-electronic sighting system, wind sensor, and Kontakt-V explosive reactive armour (ERA). At the same time, the vehicle`s power plant has remained the basic one that is based on V-84-1 (840 h.p.) diesel engine. As Belarus does not produce its own diesel engines compatible with Soviet/Russian MBTs, the enhancement of the tank`s dynamic performance by local defense industry is not possible". the source said.

" The upgraded Belarussian T-72B tank has retained the organic 125mm 2A46M smoothbore gun that can fire anti-tank missiles. Hence, the vehicle is supposed not to be a strong competitor. New variant of Chinese Type 96A MBT, which also is going to participate in the Tank Biathlon 2016 poses more significant threat to probable Russian leadership, as the Norinco Company has drastically improved the tank`s power plant and sensors suite. I think that the rivalry between the national teams will be a fierce one," he added.

According to the Military Balance 2016 report issued by London-based International Institute for Strategic Studies (IISS), the Armed Forces of Belarus operate 446 T-72B and 69 T-80BV main battle tanks. The indigenous defense industry has developed a number of upgrade kits to increase the firepower, protection and dynamic performance of the MBTs. At the same time, Belarus has established cooperation with Russia in the area of the Soviet/Russian tanks upgrade. For instance, the Sosna-U sighting system integrated with Russian T-90A and T-72B3 MBTs is being supplied by Belarusian Peleng Company.
     
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