T-72 Tank

T-72 Tank Latest News

The Ministry of Defence on Friday signed a contract with Rosoboronexport (RoE), Russian Federation, worth $248 million for procurement of 1000 Horsepower Engines for T-72 Tanks in fully formed, completely knocked down and semi knocked down conditions.

About T-72 Tank

• T-72 is a mainstay of tank fleet of the Indian Army which is at present fitted with 780 HP Engine. Equipping the existing fleet of T-72 Tanks with 1000 HP Engine.
• The T-72, a Soviet-designed main battle tank, has been a cornerstone of many armed forces since its introduction in 1971.
• Designed by Uralvagonzavod in the Soviet Union, T-72 tanks are locally manufactured and upgraded in India at the Heavy Vehicles Factory, Avadi.
• The tank is provided with high-accuracy laying and sighting materiel, and with an automatic loading gear ensuring high effective rate of gun fire.
• Features:
  • The T-72 has greater mobility as its 780 hp engine appears to be remarkably smoke-free and smooth-running, having eliminated the excessive vibration. 
  • The T-72 has better armour protection due to the use of layered armor. 
  • The tank is fitted with a 125mm D-81 smoothbore gun, a 7.62mm co-axial machine gun and a 12.7mm air defence machine gun mounted on the commander’s cupola. 
  • The T-72 carries 44 rounds of 125 mm ammunition, 22 rounds of which are carried on an automatic loading carousel.

T-72 Tank FAQs

Q1. How many T-72 does India have?

Ans: India has 2,418 T-72M1, 156 VT-72B, and some bridgelayer vehicles as of 2023.

Q2. What are the features of the T-72 tank?

Ans: The tank is fitted with a 125mm D-81 smoothbore gun, a 7.62mm co-axial machine gun and a 12.7mm air defence machine gun mounted on the commander's cupola.

Q3. Is T-72A good tank?

Ans: The T-72 is the most widely used main battle tank in the world. It has been manufactured in six countries, is in service with the armies of 35 nations.

Source: ET