US Army deploys rare Ukrainian T-72AG tank in Northern Strike 24 exercise.

As reported by The Dead District on September 16, 2024, U.S. intelligence personnel from the 203rd Military Intelligence Battalion (Technical Intelligence) recently conducted a training exercise at Camp Grayling, Michigan, using a prototype of a Ukrainian T-72AG tank. This tank was employed as part of OPFOR (Opposing Force) training for U.S. troops, simulating adversary equipment and tactics. The exercise was part of Northern Strike 24, a multi-disciplinary event aimed at enhancing proficiency for large-scale combat operations.
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The T-72AG prototype used in the U.S. training exercise at Camp Grayling lacks certain components found in some other variants, including radiation detection indicators, OTSHU-1-7 searchlights, and turret modulator systems. (Picture source: US DoD)

The T-72AG prototype used in the U.S. training exercise at Camp Grayling differs from other upgraded models, such as the T-72AMG. It lacks certain components, including radiation detection indicators, OTSHU-1-7 searchlights, and turret modulator systems found in some other variants. The version at Camp Grayling retains the open-type commander's cupola, similar to the original T-72, rather than the upgraded turret of the T-80UD, which includes the "Agat" sight and stabilization system.

Developed as a cost-effective option for operators with limited budgets needing to improve their existing tank fleets, the T-72AG is a modernized version of the T-72M tank, which was widely exported and license-built by several countries. It was created by the Kharkiv Morozov Machine Building Design Bureau (KMDB) in Ukraine and first presented in 1997 at the IDEX exhibition in Abu Dhabi, United Arab Emirates. Despite efforts to market the T-72AG, it did not receive any international orders.

After failing to achieve commercial success, the T-72AG was integrated into the Ukrainian armed forces. It was deployed in the Donbass region in 2014 to support Ukrainian units during intense fighting. In February 2022, during the Russian assault on the Gostomel airfield, the tank was captured by Russian airborne forces. This capture was reported by various media outlets, highlighting its rarity within the Ukrainian military inventory. In 2024, the T-72AG was displayed at the Exhibition of Special Military Operation Trophies at Victory Park in Moscow.

The T-72AG is a modernized version of the T-72M tank, which was widely exported and license-built by several countries. (Picture source: Russian social media)

Weighing 45.5 tons, the T-72AG is heavier than the original T-72, which weighs 41.5 tons. It includes enhancements such as a new 6TD-series diesel engine, replacing the original engine, which had performance limitations in high-temperature conditions. The 6TD engine series, developed for the T-80UD and Oplot main battle tanks, comes in two versions: the 6TD-1, which provides 1,000 horsepower, and the 6TD-2, which offers 1,200 horsepower. These engines are designed to operate effectively in desert conditions at ambient temperatures of up to 55 degrees Celsius. Additional mobility enhancements include a transmission that increases reverse speed and allows for on-the-spot pivoting, enabling the tank to reach a maximum road speed of 65 km/h, or 75 km/h with a high-speed gearbox.

The T-72AG retains the original 125 mm 2A46 smoothbore gun but can be upgraded to the Ukrainian KBA1 gun, which improves accuracy and reliability. The tank also features a remote-controlled 12.7 mm anti-aircraft machine gun mounted on the commander's cupola, allowing targets to be engaged without exposing the crew. The fire control system has been modernized, replacing the TPD-K1 sight with the 1G46 sight, stabilized on two axes, and incorporating a laser rangefinder and missile guidance capability. A ballistic computer with associated sensors further enhances firing accuracy, whether the tank is moving or stationary.

After failing to achieve commercial success, the T-72AG was deployed by the Ukrainian armed forces in the Donbass region in 2014 to support Ukrainian units during intense fighting. (Picture source: Militarnyi)

For night operations, the T-72AG can be fitted with the TPN-4E system or an optional thermal camera, enabling effective operation in total darkness, smoke, or fog. The tank's protection has been augmented with additional armor modules and "Nozh" explosive reactive armor (ERA), which strengthens its resistance against shaped charges and armor-piercing projectiles.

Additional modifications to the T-72AG include tactical mobility enhancements such as a satellite navigation system and an upgraded transmission designed to provide increased reverse speed and pivoting movement. The tank's protection is further improved with additional armor modules, reactive armor on the hull and turret, side screens with reactive armor on the front part of the hull, and a collective protection system designed to shield the crew from weapons of mass destruction. An optional "Varta" optoelectronic countermeasure system may also be installed.