T‑72 tanks turn tables: Ukrainians use seized armour against Russians
A recording has been released online in which Ukrainians showcased a T-72 tank seized from the Russians. It turns out that this machine, whose capabilities we recall, is now being used to bombard invader positions.
The T-72 was introduced into service in 1973 and later became one of the most popular tanks in the world. It is also one of the armoured machines most frequently appearing in reports from the front of the Ukrainian-Russian war. Because the T-72 is very well known to the Ukrainians, operating the seized enemy specimen posed no difficulties.
Russian T-72 tank in Ukrainian service
A short recording of the captured T-72 was published on the official profile of the Ukrainian Ministry of Defence on the X platform. "A trophy T-72 in the service of the Ukrainian army destroys Russian positions," was added in the brief description.
Newer and still unknown Russian tanks, such as the T-90 and T-90M, are analysed by experts after being captured. This allows for learning about the technologies the Russians use in their equipment. T-72 tanks are already so well known that they hold no secrets. It's no surprise that the Ukrainians directed the seized, functional specimen into battle.
At the time of its entry into service, the T-72 was a very advanced tank. With a mass of about 44 tonnes, it was distinguished by very good armour and a powerful 125 mm cannon supported by two 7.62 mm machine guns and one 12.7 mm machine gun.
At the same time, the designers ensured a relatively low profile of 2.2 metres and good mobility. The T-72 can accelerate up to even 60 km/h on the road and up to 45 km/h off-road. For these reasons, it also performs well on the modern battlefield, although it has flaws.
As the war in Ukraine shows, T-72 crews are exposed to significant danger, primarily due to the autoloader, damage to which translates to an almost certain large explosion. Aware of this, both Russians and Ukrainians apply modifications such as ERA Kontakt-1, ERA Kontakt-5, and sometimes even dual-layer Relikt shields.
