The Belarusian Army has received the first serial batch of T-72BM2 tanks, a local modernization of the T-72B developed by the country’s armored industry. The delivery marks a new stage in the modernization program of Belarusian mechanized forces.
The tank battalion of the 11th Separate Guards Mechanized Brigade of the Belarusian Army has received the first serial batch of T-72BM2 tanks, a locally modernized version of the T-72B.
The information was released by the Ministry of Defense of Belarus, which shared images of the vehicles being transported. The exact number of tanks delivered was not officially disclosed, but the published photos show a batch consisting of five units.
“Today we received combat vehicles that meet all the requirements of modern combined arms warfare. I want to emphasize that this is only the first stage of acquiring the most modern combat vehicles. In the near future, this practice will continue, and we will receive new weapons, military and special equipment to carry out assigned tasks,” said the brigade commander, Guards Colonel Vadym Ilnytskyi.
Brigade located in a strategic region of Belarus
The 11th Separate Guards Mechanized Brigade is part of the Western Operational Command of the Belarusian Armed Forces and is based in the city of Slonim.
The unit’s location is considered strategic. From the brigade’s deployment area, it is approximately 100 kilometers to the border with Poland, just over 110 kilometers to Lithuania, and about 125 kilometers to Ukraine.
The arrival of the T-72BM2 reinforces a unit positioned in one of the country’s most sensitive regions, near NATO’s eastern flank and the northern border of Ukraine.
T-72BM2: Belarusian modernization of the T-72B
The T-72BM2 was publicly unveiled for the first time in July 2022. Since then, a limited number of these tanks have undergone testing within Belarusian forces.
The development and modernization were carried out by the 140th Armored Repair Plant, located in Borisov, near Minsk. According to Belarus, the project took into account recent experience from modern armed conflicts.
The upgrade includes a new fire control system, featuring a multichannel sight equipped with optical and thermal channels, a missile guidance channel, and a laser rangefinder. The tank also received updated sensors to improve firing accuracy, including meteorological, wind, roll, pitch, and charge temperature sensors.
Another improvement is the installation of a new ballistic computer, capable of applying automatic corrections during firing. The modernization also introduces the “Double” mode, which allows weapon control and firing from the tank commander’s position.
Enhanced protection, but no visible anti-drone systems
The T-72BM2 also received modern optical and thermal devices for the commander and driver, as well as an auxiliary diesel-electric generator. This system allows essential equipment to remain operational without running the vehicle’s main engine, reducing fuel consumption and thermal signature in certain situations.
In terms of protection, the tank received a new reactive armor developed in Belarus. Although its appearance resembles the Russian Relikt system, it is a local design.
However, the released images do not show additional protection systems against drones, such as slat armor, electronic warfare equipment, or active protection systems. In 2022, vehicles of this family were demonstrated with upper structures similar to so-called “anti-drone cages.”
Analysts also point to possible limitations in the layout of the reactive armor, with vulnerable areas on the upper front hull, around the turret “neck,” and on the upper front section of the turret itself.
Modernization amid armored restructuring
The delivery of the first serial batch indicates that the T-72BM2 has moved beyond the limited testing phase and entered a broader stage of deployment to troops.
Although the initial number is limited, the Belarusian Ministry of Defense states that further deliveries of weapons and military equipment are expected soon. For Minsk, the program represents an effort to extend the service life of the T-72B fleet by incorporating sensors, targeting systems, and protection upgrades without relying on an entirely new tank.
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Source and images: Ministry of Defense of Belarus. This content was created with the help of AI and reviewed by the editorial team.
