The Soviet T-72 tank in the 90s was one of the most common modern tanks in the world. Therefore, it is not surprising that proposals for their further modernization have begun to appear in many countries.
It is interesting that not only designers from the Warsaw Pact countries, but also specialists from France, Israel and South Africa have developed their own options for improving the characteristics of the "seventy-second".
More than 20 years ago, engineers from the Republic of South Africa updated the fire control system of one of the export Nizhny Tagil vehicles. They called their brainchild "Tiger". However, it did not attract the attention of potential customers.
Already in the new century, the T-72FDS was created, which was equipped with completely new stabilized gunner-operator and commander sights. This equipment had daytime television and nighttime thermal imaging surveillance channels, laser rangefinders, various sensors, and a ballistic computer.
On test shooting, he demonstrated fairly good accuracy. The crew also had a navigation system at their disposal. However, the level of protection, firepower and mobility remained at the same level.
South Africa demonstrated the tank at exhibitions. It was tested in Algeria, but the military of this country preferred to modernize the equipment with Russian help.
Judging by the video footage, the T-72FDS still exists, but currently it is used only in various military shows.
South African upgraded T-72 MBT variant from ATE in 2006 pic.twitter.com/AAqqoUhl5e
— Caesar (@Ninja998998) May 25, 2021
Alexey Moiseev