Russian armored vehicle manufacturer Uralvagonzavod has released a commemorative video celebrating 52 years of service of the T‑72 tank, one of the most iconic armoured vehicles in modern military history.
In the video, Russian servicemen describe the T‑72 as “an excellent friend and companion that never lets you down,” praising its “reliability and power” to complete combat missions with confidence.
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The T‑72 was officially adopted by the Soviet Army on August 7, 1973, and in 2025 it marks 52 years of continuous service.
According to the Guinness Book of Records, it is the most produced tank in existence, with around 25,000 units built and exported to over 40 countries. It has taken part in numerous armed conflicts around the world and remains in active service.
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Since its launch, designers in the Russian city of Nizhny Tagil have developed more than 45 experimental prototypes and around 30 production versions, each incorporating advancements in protection, weaponry, and mobility.
Currently, the most modern variant — the T‑72B3M — remains in production and continues to evolve. It features next-generation reactive armor, FPV drone countermeasures, and enhancements based on lessons learned from recent combat, especially in the war in Ukraine.
T‑72 on the Battlefield in Ukraine
The war in Ukraine has reignited the central role of the T‑72 in modern warfare. Both sides continue to use the model—though with differing modernization approaches.
Ukrainian forces have captured more than 540 Russian tanks, including 103 T‑72B3Ms. Many of these vehicles were refurbished and reused by Ukrainian troops on the battlefield. In several instances, Russian T‑72B3M columns were destroyed by suicide drones or coordinated attacks, with up to 11 tanks wiped out in a single offensive.
In response to growing threats, Russia deployed a new version of the T‑72B3M equipped with the Arena-M active protection system, designed to detect and intercept anti-tank projectiles before impact. However, experts still question the system’s true effectiveness against the widespread use of drones and guided munitions.
Meanwhile, Ukraine has upgraded T‑72s received from Western allies, including variants like the T‑72M1R (Poland) and T‑72EA (Czech Republic), with enhancements such as night vision systems, digital communication, and thermal sensors.
A Living Legend — With Challenges
Despite its long history and ongoing modernization, the T‑72 faces significant technical limitations today, particularly in terms of crew protection, side armor, and internal ammunition layout — which make it vulnerable to modern attacks.
Still, the tank remains relevant on the battlefield. For Russia, it symbolizes mass production and endurance. For Ukraine, it is a reusable platform with potential for Western upgrades.
The T‑72 is a legend that endures over time, now operating in a landscape defined by drones, mines, urban destruction, and war of attrition — where each technical upgrade is immediately put to the test.
Source and images: Telegram @uvznews | nationalsecurityjournal | This content was created with AI assistance and reviewed by the editorial team.
