Russia Delivers Batch of T-72B3M Main Battle Tanks to Its Armed Forces.

Russia announced on its state media on May 15, 2024, the delivery of 10 T-72B3M Main Battle Tanks to a mechanized infantry unit in the Urals. First showcased at the 2014 Tank Biathlon, the T-72B3M remains a crucial yet problematic asset in the Russian military arsenal, highlighting both advancements and vulnerabilities. In response to ongoing losses in Ukraine, Russia has accelerated the production of upgraded T-72B3M main battle tanks.
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The T-72B3M is a modernized version of the T-72 main battle tank. (Picture source: Vitaly V.Kuzmin)

Russia has increased its production of tanks and other armored vehicles to offset significant losses in Ukraine. Recently, Russian state media reported that a motor rifle formation—a mechanized infantry division—received a batch of 10 upgraded T-72B3M main battle tanks. This unit is based in the Orenburg Region in the Urals. It is unclear whether it will be deployed to the conflict.

Russia has significantly ramped up its production of combat tanks, largely through upgrades rather than new production. The T-72B3M follows this trend, likely being upgraded from older models. However, it is surprising to see these tanks sent far from Ukraine, where they would be most effective.

The T-72B3M is a modernized version of the T-72 main battle tank, used primarily by Russia and Belarus. This tank is armed with a 2A46M5 125 mm smoothbore gun, a PKTM 7.62 mm coaxial machine gun, and a 12.7 mm NSV heavy machine gun. In terms of protection, it is equipped with standard armor and Relikt explosive reactive armor.

Weighing 45 tons, the T-72B3M can reach a maximum speed of 60 km/h and has a range of 550 km. Designed in Russia and Belarus, this tank is equipped with various sophisticated accessories, including night vision, a fording kit for crossing water bodies, an overpressure NBC protection system, a laser range finder, a thermal sight, a ballistic computer, a panoramic sight, and an image intensifier.

The tank is operated by a crew of three, comprising a driver, a gunner, and a commander. In terms of dimensions, the T-72B3M measures 9.53 meters in length, 3.59 meters in width, and 2.22 meters in height. These combined characteristics make it a formidable combat machine, though not without weaknesses and vulnerabilities.

Despite improved armor and other upgrades, the T-72B3M tanks have a critical design flaw: the autoloader and ammunition storage. Munitions in the turret can be triggered by an indirect hit to the hull, resulting in a "jack-in-the-box" effect where the turret is blown off the tank's body. This flaw has been known for decades, first encountered during the Gulf War in 1991. Russia has largely failed to address it, but experts suggest that few options are available apart from changing the tank's layout. The T-72 was once the world's most feared main battle tank, but the war in Ukraine has highlighted its shortcomings, which likely remain true for this upgraded model.

The delivery of new battle tanks is always good news for the Russian armed forces, but it is quite surprising that these tanks will not be sent to Ukraine, given the material losses suffered on the front lines.