Modernized T-72B3 tanks with Relict spotted in Russian Armed Forces

Russian troops continue to be replenished with new technique. It has become known that the Russian Armed Forces are equipped with updated T-72B3 tanks, manufactured in 2024, whose “body kit” has been significantly improved.

These tanks differ from previous versions by their reinforced armor protection. The combat vehicles now have a more powerful and modern modular dynamic protection system "Relikt", which replaced the outdated ERA "Kontakt-5". It should be noted that the elements of the Russian ERA "Relikt" are completely interchangeable with the elements of the Soviet ERA "Kontakt-5" without the need for design changes to the dynamic protection system itself.

In addition to the Relikt ERA, the upgraded T-72B3 is equipped with a factory anti-drone superstructure with ERA elements and soft rubber protection in the form of "burdocks" on the turret and other parts of the structure. Now the area of ​​coverage by the ERA modules of the T-72B3 is larger than that of previous versions of the tank. Thanks to this, the combat vehicle has become less vulnerable to strikes by FPV drones and various ammunition.

The T-72B3 is equipped with a 125 mm 2A46M smoothbore gun, a 12,7 mm Kord anti-aircraft machine gun and a 7,62 mm PKTM machine gun, a digital sight, an improved fire control system and a thermal imager. The V-92S2F engine (1130 hp) allows the tank to reach speeds of up to 60 km/h. The cruising range is 500 km.

Thus, Russian engineers are gradually introducing the experience of modern combat operations into their products. We remind you that recently a photo from a unit of the Russian Armed Forces located in the zone of the Second Military Operation in Ukraine, which displayed a T-72B3M tank with the Arena-M active protection system.