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Land ForcesRussia

T-72M

Main battle tankFielded 1979Pending verification
Land ForcesRUS
T-72M
Photo: Master Sgt. William Greer · Public domain, Wikimedia Commons
Fact cardConfidence · Source
System
TypeMain battle tank
Date of introduction1979
ProliferationAt least 4 countries
ManufacturerUralvagonzavodMed[1]
Crew3Med[1]
Dimensions and weight
Width3.59 m12 ftMed[1]
Height2.23 m7 ftMed[1]
Combat weight41 tMed[1]
Automotive performance
EngineV-46-6Med[1]
Engine power780 hpMed[1]
Cruising range700 km435 mi · 378 nmiMed[1]
Max road speed60 km/h37 mph · 32 ktMed[1]
Fording depth1.2 mMed[1]
Fording (with Preparation)5.0 mMed[1]
Fording KitOPVT deep water fording kitMed[1]
TransmissionSynchromesh, hydraulically assisted, with 7 forward and 1 reverse gearsMed[1]
SuspensionTorsion barMed[1]
Protection
Hull ArmorSteel and composite armour with ERA, equivalent to 500-600 mm of Rolled Homogenous Armor (RHA)Med[1]
Turret ArmorSteel and composite armour with ERA, 500 mm against APFSDS projectiles and to 560 mm against HEAT weapons.Med[1]
Applique ArmorAvailable, Turret top and track skirtsMed[1]
Explosive reactive armorYes, Kontakt-5Med[1]
Active Protection SystemYes, ZETS11-3 Control SystemMed[1]
NBC ProtectionYes, System Sensor Radiation Device and chemical intelligence (PRRM).Med[1]
Grenade LauncherYes, twelve 81 mm Toucha 902B grenade launchers that fire the ZD-6 smoke grenade.Med[1]
Armament
Rate of fire (max)8 rds/minMed[1]
Minimum elevation-6 degMed[1]
Maximum elevation+14 degMed[1]
Main armament1 x 2A46M/2A46M-5 125mm Smoothbore Gun, 125 mmMed[1]
Secondary armament1 x PKT (Kalashnikov's Machine Gun) 7.62mm General-Purpose Machine GunMed[1]
Maximum firing range5 km3 mi · 3 nmiLongest-range ammunition listedMed[1]
Fire control
Fire control system1A40-1Med[1]
Computerized FCSYes, Electric FCSMed[1]
Thermal Sight Tank CommanderYes, TPNZ-49Med[1]
Thermal Sight Gunner1K13-49Med[1]
Main Gun Stabilization2Eh28M electrohydraulic systemMed[1]
Range, Thermal Sight1,000 mMed[1]
Laser RangefinderYesMed[1]
Variants
T-72BSecond Russian main variant of the T-72 after the T-72A.[1]
T-72B1In 1986, a limited production variant without an ATGM launch capability. Some do not have ERA.[1]
T-72BKThe Commander's variant with additional radios.[1]
T-72BMRussian T-72B upgrade with 2nd gen ERA. The system is fielded, available for export, and upgraded. Tier 2 and some Tier 3 tanks can challenge US forces under favorable conditions when using modern ammunition and employed[1]
T-72BUUpgrade variant with the fire control system from the T-80U as well as well as a variety of other changes.[1]
T-72BU renamed T-90With the limited market for new tanks, the world tank industry has developed upgrades and whole vehicle upgrade packages to tap into the market. Older T-72 tanks can be brought up to the T-72B standard. Some approach the[1]
Weapons and payload options · 4Confidence · Source
Armour-Piercing Fin-Stabilized Discarding Sabot (APFSDS)125 mm ammunition
Med[1]
Quantity
45 Total Rounds of any 125mm Russian Projectiles
Muzzle velocity
2,050 m/s
Armor penetration
1,000 mm
Projectile weight
11 kg
High Explosives (HE)125 mm ammunition
Med[1]
Range
5 km3 mi · 3 nmi
Quantity
45 Total Rounds of any 125mm Russian Projectiles
Muzzle velocity
850 m/s
Projectile weight
23 kg
High-Explosive Anti-Tank (HEAT)125 mm ammunition
Med[1]
Range
3 km2 mi · 2 nmi
Quantity
45 Total Rounds of any 125mm Russian Projectiles
Muzzle velocity
915 m/s
Projectile weight
18.4 kg
Armor penetration
Estimated at 800 mm triple charge HEAT
Laser Guided Anti-tank guided missile launcher125 mm ammunition
Med[1]
Range
4 km2 mi · 2 nmi
Quantity
6 ea
Guidance
Yes
Armor penetration
up to 700mm of armor
Warhead
4.2 kg
Summary

The T-72M is an export version, similar to T-72A. The T-72A is the second generation of Soviet-made main battle tank MBT in the T-72 family. The first version of the T-72 entered production in 1970.

Draft entry. Values come from the cited public sources and are awaiting editor verification.
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Operators
ChinaIranPolandRussia
Sources
  1. T-72M Russian Main Battle Tank (MBT), U.S. Army TRADOC G-2 Worldwide Equipment Guide (ODIN)
    Published/updated 2026-03-20 · Tier 1 · checked 2026-10-10
Change log
  • 2026-10-10 Entry created from the Worldwide Equipment Guide (ODIN), bulk import
  • 2026-10-10 Added photo (Public domain)