Soviet T-72 Main Battle Tank

The Russian/Soviet T-72 main battle tank was produced at the Malyshev HMB Plant, based in Kharkov, Ukraine and at UKBM Nizhny Tagil, Russian Federation. It was widely used by forces of the Soviet Union and their allies including Algeria, Bulgaria, Cuba, the Czech Republic, Slovakia, Finland, Hungary, India, Iran, Libya, Poland, Romania, Syria and Yugoslavia. It was also produced under license in several countries. In November 2005, Hungary donated 77 of their updated and refurbished T-72 tanks to Iraq where they were assigned to the newly formed 2nd Brigade of Iraq's armored division.

The T-72 first entered production in 1972 and an estimated 50,000 have been built. There are a number of variants of this tank through its production cycle:

• T-72A: 1972-1985 production
• T-72M & T-72M1: export versions of the T-72A
• T-72B: production after 1985
• T-72S: export version of the T-72B

Specifications of the T-72 Main Battle Tank

The T-72 is armed with a 125mm primary gun, a 12.7mm machine gun and a 7.62mm machine gun.

Czech and Slovak T-72 tanks. Photo: Courtesy of Euroco Corporation.

Czech and Slovak T-72 tanks. Photo: Courtesy of Euroco Corporation.

Czech and Slovak T-72 tanks. Photo: Courtesy of Euroco Corporation.

2nd Brigade, 9th Iraqi Army Division (Mechanized) shows off newly acquired T-72 Main Battle Tanks, Taji Military Base, 19 November 2005. Hungary donated 77 tanks and 36 BMPs, four recovery vehicles and containers of parts and weaponry as part of their commitment to the Iraq coalition.

2nd Brigade, 9th Iraqi Army Division (Mechanized) shows off newly acquired T-72 Main Battle Tanks, Taji Military Base, 19 November 2005.

T-72 Main Battle Tank at 1st Cavalry Division Museum, Ft. Hood, TX, 2 December 2005. Photo: Courtesy of Bob Pettit.

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