A massive modernization of the T-72 main battle tank fleet has begun in Iran. At the end of last year, at the major maneuvers of the Islamic Revolutionary Guard Corps (IRGC) Payambar-e Azam-17 ("The Great Prophet-17"), a serial model modified according to the Karrar project was demonstrated for the first time.
It seems that the modernization of T-72 tanks has gone into a normal series and tanks have now begun to arrive not only in the ground forces of the #IRGC, but also in the ground forces of the Army #Iran via @imp_navigator pic.twitter.com/Zo4A3foDFd
— Middle East Update (@islamicworldupd) January 18, 2022
The combat vehicle has received a new dynamic protection, which significantly reduces the effectiveness of both cumulative ammunition of various types and sub-caliber armor-piercing shells.
After installing such a "reactive armor", the "seventy-second" became very similar to the latest Russian tanks, but, no matter what, in this case we are talking about a completely Iranian development.
It has significantly improved the fire control system, which has received a new multi-channel sight.
At the same time, the use of the 1K13 guidance device continues, which allows launching laser-guided anti-tank missiles produced in Iran through a 125 mm tank gun.
Thanks to the installation of a more powerful engine, the mobility characteristics are significantly increased. There are other updates.
According to military expert Yuri Lyamin, the T-72 upgraded to the Karrar level now began to arrive in the ground forces of the Iranian army. However, judging by the photos that appeared on social networks, a more budget option is still being purchased. It lacks a remotely controlled 12.7 mm machine gun module, a panoramic sight and warning sensors about laser and radar irradiation.
Alexey Brusilov
