With thermal imagers and digital optics: Ukraine may receive battle tanks from the Czech Republic
Фото: Wiki
The Czech Republic is considering the possibility of transferring to the Armed Forces of Ukraine a batch of approximately 30 T-72M4CZ main battle tanks, which in terms of their characteristics can compete with modern Russian models, in particular the T-90M.
This is stated on the website of the Czech Ministry of Defense.
The Chief of the General Staff of the Czech Republic, Karel Rzeky, stated that these tanks were modernized before the start of a full-scale war. After the work is completed, he plans to recommend to the government to consider the possibility of transferring the equipment to Ukraine as part of ensuring the Czech Republic’s national security.
What is known about the T-72M4CZ
The modernization of T-72 tanks to the M4CZ standard began in the 1990s as a response to the technical backwardness of Soviet armored vehicles compared to Western ones, revealed during the Gulf War.
Key updates include:
New generation fire control system: gunner and commander sighting systems, thermal imager (up to 4 km), ballistic computer. Provides effective firing day and night, from a place and on the move – at a distance of up to 2 km.
A 1,000-horsepower engine that can be replaced in less than 30 minutes, as well as an additional power plant.
Modernized protection: DYNA-72 dynamic protection, TRALL mine countermeasure system, laser radiation sensors.
In terms of equipment, the T-72M4CZ is close to the T-72B3M and T-90M. Even Russian military analysts recognize that it is one of the most successful modifications of the Soviet T-72 tank.
The Czech tank is equipped with a modern commander’s sighting system, while most Russian vehicles still use outdated optical devices with limited range.
Military expert Andriy Kharuk notes that the supply of these tanks will allow the Armed Forces of Ukraine to strengthen its armored forces with modern equipment capable of effectively countering Russian models.
“The Czech T-72M4CZ corresponds to the T-72B3M in many parameters, and even has an advantage in some components,” the expert emphasizes.
The Czech army still has about 30 T-72M4CZ tanks, which were replaced by German-made Leopard 2A4s. These tanks can be transferred to Ukraine after the Czech government makes a decision.
If the supply is approved, this will be another example of long-term defense support for Ukraine from EU countries and will significantly strengthen the potential of Ukrainian armored units.
As reported, the European Union is preparing to launch a new program that should help Ukraine gain a technological advantage in the war against Russia.
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