Ukrainian forces capture advanced Russian T‑72B3 tank in Donetsk
Ukrainian forces destroyed a Russian equipment convoy near the village of Terna in the Donetsk region. After intense battles, the defenders captured important trophies, which they proudly showcased online. The 12th Special Purpose Brigade "Azov" seized a Russian T-72B3 tank equipped with a mix of several high-value systems (including electronic warfare) mounted on the turret.
The electronic warfare systems, tied to the tank with ropes to guard against drones, were ineffective. Soldiers from the 12th SPB "Azov" and the 95th Airborne Brigade overpowered the entire column of Russian forces, who, lacking cover and the means to counter the assault, were compelled to leave behind all their equipment.
As a result, the Ukrainian forces secured another significant trophy. This time, as Defence Express pointed out, it was one of the standard tanks from the T-72 family, yet upgraded to the version labelled as T-72B3. It's worth mentioning that concerning other captured vehicles in Ukraine, reports have recently highlighted that the aggressor's army has been deploying T-80UE-1 tanks to the battlefield, which have been in the Ukrainians' arsenal for at least two years (back in the spring of 2022, they captured four such tanks, a model of which only a few dozen were produced).
Russian T-72B3 under Ukrainian control
The T-72B3 model of 2022, now in Ukrainian hands, is distinct because it represents an upgrade of the original T-72B (derived from T-72) but with slightly inferior features compared to the older T-72B3 model from 2016. Defence Express elucidates that the newer T-72B3 was developed as a temporary solution before the T-90A tank and introducing the T-14 Armata to the Russian army.
In terms of the equipment used on this widespread Russian tank model, it's particularly important to highlight the Sosna-U sight, which includes an automatic target tracking system and third-generation thermal imaging provided by Thales' Catherine-FC (the Sosna-U sight was absent in the T-72B3 captured by the 18th SPB). These upgrades are among the most notable, as the engine and reactive armour remained the same in the T-72B3 compared to the T-72, as previously described by journalist Przemysław Juraszek of Wirtualna Polska. However, in some instances, the original Kontakt-1 reactive armour blocks were replaced with the more advanced Kontakt-5.
This Russian model features the 2A45M-5 cannon with stabilization and an enhanced ammunition carousel. Nonetheless, these modifications have resulted in weaker side armour because the manufacturer removed material from the inside to accommodate the updated automatic loading system, thus diminishing the armour thickness.
