Old T-72M1 tanks in Iraq acquire a new quality

Modernization of obsolete T-72M1 tanks continues in Iraq. So far we are talking about combat vehicles that are in service with the People's Militia Forces. They were first shown in May last year.

From the usual "seventy-second", the main external difference is the massive elements of the built-in dynamic protection on the turret, which are able to withstand tandem cumulative ammunition of various types.

The same "reactive armor" is mounted on the upper frontal part of the hull, it covers the roof and sides, where four containers are suspended on each side.

In addition, on the most vulnerable projections in the stern, you can see lattice screens that reduce the effectiveness of wearable anti-tank weapons.

An interesting solution is to install additional smaller fuel tanks on the stern, which allow firing more efficiently from a 125 mm cannon and a paired 7.62 mm machine gun at the enemy if he tries to attack from the rear. Of course, this innovation will negatively affect the overall power reserve during marches.

Apparently, at first it was planned to use sights similar to those available on the Iranian T-72S. They can direct anti-tank guided missiles by a laser beam. However, later, due to reasons of economy, this was abandoned. Apparently, there are no thermal imagers on these machines either.

As anti-aircraft machine guns, not only the regular NSVT "Utes" are used, but also the old DSHKM.

The tanks received new track belts with rubber asphalt shoes. It was reported about the possible replacement of the 780-horsepower B-46-6 with the B-84-1 with a capacity of 840 hp, but there is no information that this has been done yet.

It is believed that Iranian specialists provided great assistance in organizing the modernization of these T-72s. Indeed, these samples resemble versions demonstrated in the Islamic Republic at different times.

Alexey Moiseev