Uralvagonzavod T-72B3M

History

The T-72B3M is a Russian modernization of the T-72B3 main battle tank developed by Uralvagonzavod. It combines improvements to fire control, protection, mobility, communications, and the existing T-72 armament system.

The modernization is based on existing T-72-series vehicles rather than a completely new tank design. The type is also identified as the T-72B3 obr 2016 in specialist references, while the designation T-72B4 has sometimes been used for the upgraded configuration.

The T-72B3M was publicly displayed during the final of the Russian Army Tank Biathlon competition in October 2014. In March 2016, plans were reported to modernize 150 Russian T-72 tanks to the T-72B3M standard. Russian Army units began receiving the upgraded tanks by 2017, according to Army Recognition.

Weaponsystems.net describes the T-72B3M as a further development of the T-72B3 upgrade program and gives 2017 as its service-entry year. The modernization was intended to improve the capabilities of existing T-72B tanks through new sights, fire-control equipment, a more powerful engine, improved armor packages, communications equipment, and other changes.

The T-72B3M is in service with the Russian armed forces, while Army Technology also identifies the Belarusian Armed Forces as an operator. Russian T-72B3 and B3M tanks have been used during the Russia-Ukraine war. Uralvagonzavod has continued delivering modernized T-72B3M tanks to Russian forces, including batches produced alongside T-90M tanks. Reports on wartime deliveries generally do not disclose the number of T-72B3M vehicles in each batch. Military Watch Magazine has also reported increased deliveries of upgraded T-72B3M tanks during the wartime production expansion.

Design

The T-72B3M retains the conventional T-72 layout. The driver is positioned in the front center of the hull, the fighting compartment is in the middle, and the engine and transmission are at the rear. The three-person crew consists of the driver, gunner, and commander. The gunner and commander are positioned in the turret.

Armament

The principal weapon is the 125 mm 2A46M5 smoothbore tank gun, an improved member of the 2A46 family. The gun is stabilized and is connected to an automatic loading system. It can use several types of 125 mm ammunition, including armor-piercing, high-explosive fragmentation, and high-explosive anti-tank projectiles. It can also launch 9M119 Refleks guided missiles through the gun barrel.

The tank carries a 7.62 mm PKTM coaxial machine gun. Sources differ on the exact model of the commander's 12.7 mm heavy machine gun: Army Recognition identifies an NSV, while Weaponsystems.net lists the 6P50 Kord. Both sources agree that a heavy machine gun is mounted at the commander's position.

Fire control and observation

The T-72B3M incorporates improved day and thermal observation equipment. The gunner uses the Sosna-U stabilized sight together with the 1A40-4 fire-control system. The system includes day and thermal channels, a laser rangefinder, and equipment for controlling gun-launched guided missiles.

A commander's panoramic day and thermal sight is another feature associated with the B3M configuration. Weaponsystems.net identifies the commander's system as the PK PAN sight. The upgraded fire-control equipment is supplemented by a ballistic computer. R-168-series radios provide digital voice and data communications.

Protection

The T-72B3M retains the basic steel and composite armor structure of the T-72B family but adds reactive and supplementary protection. Specialist sources describe Kontakt-5 explosive reactive armor on the frontal areas and additional Relikt explosive reactive armor on the side skirts and turret sides. Slat or cage armor can be fitted around parts of the rear hull and turret.

A later configuration identified as T-72B3M Model 2022 appeared in December 2022. Army Recognition describes this version as having additional dynamic protection around the hull, revised explosive reactive armor on the turret, and metal RPG protection around the lower part of the vehicle.

The tank also has an overpressure-type nuclear, biological, and chemical protection system, an automatic fire-suppression system, and smoke-generating equipment. Eight smoke grenade launchers are reported on the turret.

Mobility

The T-72B3M uses the V-92S2F diesel engine rated at approximately 1,130 hp. This engine is substantially more powerful than engines installed in earlier T-72 variants. The upgrade is combined with drivetrain changes intended to improve mobility despite the additional weight of the modernization package.

Reported road speed varies slightly between sources. Army Recognition gives a maximum of 60 km/h, while Weaponsystems.net lists 65 km/h. Reported road range is approximately 500 to 550 km. The torsion-bar suspension uses six road wheels on each side, with the idler at the front and drive sprocket at the rear.

The tank can cross water obstacles using standard fording equipment. Specialist data give a prepared fording depth of approximately 1.8 m and a maximum depth of about 5 m when a snorkel system is installed.

Operational history

Russian tank units began receiving T-72B3M vehicles during the second half of the 2010s. The type has subsequently become part of Russia's modernized T-72 fleet and has been used during the Russia-Ukraine war.

Uralvagonzavod has continued overhauling and supplying T-72B3M tanks while also producing T-90M tanks. A September 2026 company announcement reported another batch of T-90M and T-72B3M tanks delivered to the Russian Army. The number of tanks in the shipment and their destinations were not disclosed.

Variants

• T-72B3M / T-72B3 obr 2016: Further modernization of the T-72B3 with improved protection, a more powerful V-92S2F engine, drivetrain changes, improved observation equipment, and additional armor around the sides and rear.
• T-72B3M Model 2022: Later configuration reported from December 2022 with additional protection around the hull and turret and supplementary RPG protection around lower areas.

Operators

• Russia: The Russian Army is the principal operator. T-72B3M tanks have been delivered to Russian units since at least 2017 and continue to be supplied through modernization programs.
• Belarus: Belarusian armed forces are identified by Army Technology and Army Recognition as operators of modernized T-72B3M tanks.

Specifications (T-72B3M)

General characteristics

• Type: Main battle tank
• Crew: 3
• Combat weight: Approximately 45-46.5 t depending on source and configuration
• Length: 9.53 m with gun forward
• Hull length: 6.86 m
• Width: Approximately 3.6 m
• Height: Approximately 2.22-2.26 m
• Suspension: Torsion bar

Powerplant and performance

• Engine: V-92S2F V12 liquid-cooled diesel
• Power: Approximately 1,130 hp
• Maximum road speed: Approximately 60-65 km/h depending on source
• Road range: Approximately 500-550 km depending on source
• Reverse speed: Approximately 5 km/h
• Ground clearance: Approximately 0.43 m
• Vertical obstacle: Approximately 0.85 m
• Trench crossing: Approximately 2.6-2.8 m
• Prepared fording depth: Approximately 1.8 m
• Fording with snorkel: Up to approximately 5 m

Armament

• Main gun: 125 mm 2A46M5 smoothbore cannon with automatic loader
• Main-gun ammunition: Up to 39 rounds reported by Weaponsystems.net, including 22 in the automatic loader
• Coaxial weapon: 7.62 mm PKTM machine gun
• Commander's weapon: 12.7 mm heavy machine gun; sources identify either NSV or 6P50 Kord depending on configuration
• Guided weapon capability: 9M119 Refleks gun-launched anti-tank guided missile

Protection and equipment

• Armor: Steel and composite armor with explosive reactive armor
• Reactive armor: Kontakt-5 on frontal areas and Relikt protection on additional sections reported for the B3M configuration
• Additional protection: Slat or cage armor around parts of the rear hull and turret
• Gunner sight: Sosna-U stabilized day and thermal sight
• Fire-control system: 1A40-4 with ballistic computer
• Commander observation: Panoramic day and thermal sight
• Communications: R-168-series digital radio
• NBC protection: Overpressure system
• Smoke equipment: Eight smoke grenade launchers and engine-exhaust smoke generation