T72s

The T-72 is a family of Soviet main battle tanks produced by Uralvagonzavod. Developed in the late 1960s to complement the T-64 and provide a cheaper, robust export option, the T-72 entered service in the early 1970s. It is characterized by a small, low-profile hull, a 125 mm smoothbore gun, and an autoloader that allows a three-person crew.

Powered by a diesel engine, the T-72 offers modest mobility, with road speeds around 60 km/h and a range near 450–500 km. Its armor has evolved across variants, from simple rolled homogeneous armor to composite add-ons and explosive reactive armor on later models, with turret and hull protection augmented by ERA blocks in some versions.

Variants and upgrades include the export-oriented T-72M/M1 family, the improved T-72A and T-72B, and modernized forms such as the T-72B3 and T-72B3M. Later upgrades focus on fire control, stabilization, and powerplant, while retaining the 125 mm main gun and autoloader.

Operational history spans several decades and regions. The T-72 has seen combat in the Middle East, Europe, and Africa, and remains in service with many armies and reserves around the world, often in upgraded configurations. It is one of the most widely produced and distributed MBTs of the late 20th and early 21st centuries.

Operators include Russia and Ukraine, as well as numerous other states in Europe, Asia, the Middle East, and Africa. The tank's enduring presence reflects its balance of performance, cost, and ease of maintenance, despite the advent of more modern designs.