By José Carlos Palma *
The T-72 and T-90 tanks have proven their worth on the battlefield with their robustness and firepower. However, in the face of evolving threats and advancements in military technology, upgrading these tanks becomes crucial to ensure their continued effectiveness. This article presents a set of proposed upgrades aimed at enhancing the performance and capabilities of the T-72 and T-90 tanks, bolstering their combat prowess in modern warfare scenarios.
- Firepower Enhancements: One of the key aspects of the proposed upgrades focuses on enhancing the tanks’ firepower capabilities. This includes a. Advanced Fire Control Systems: Integration of modern fire control systems that incorporate advanced target tracking, ballistic computation, and automated engagement capabilities. These systems enable improved accuracy, faster target acquisition, and enhanced first-hit probability. b. Upgraded Main Armament: Replacement or retrofitting of the existing gun with a more powerful and accurate weapon, such as a smoothbore cannon, to increase the tanks’ anti-armor capabilities and extend their effective engagement range.c. Advanced Ammunition: Introduction of next-generation ammunition types, including armor-piercing fin-stabilized discarding sabot (APFSDS) rounds and high-explosive anti-tank (HEAT) rounds with improved penetration capabilities, enabling the tanks to effectively engage a wider range of targets.
- Protection Systems: Enhancing the tanks’ survivability through improved protection systems is crucial. The proposed upgrades include: a. Composite and Reactive Armor: Integration of advanced composite and reactive armor technologies to enhance protection against both kinetic energy and shaped charge threats. These armor systems provide increased resistance to armor-piercing rounds, rocket-propelled grenades, and anti-tank-guided missiles. b. Active Protection Systems (APS): Installation of APS, such as the Trophy or Arena systems, which use radar or other sensors to detect and intercept incoming projectiles. APS provides an additional layer of defense by neutralizing threats before they reach the tank, significantly enhancing crew safety.c. Countermeasures: Integration of advanced countermeasures systems, including smoke grenade launchers and electronic warfare suites, to disrupt enemy targeting systems, confuse guided missiles, and reduce the tanks’ vulnerability to anti-tank weapons.
- Mobility and Command Systems: To improve overall mobility and situational awareness, the proposed upgrades encompass:a. Engine and Powertrain Upgrades: Installation of more powerful engines and enhanced powertrains to improve the tanks’ mobility, acceleration, and maneuverability in varied terrains.b. Digital Battlefield Management Systems: Integration of advanced digital battlefield management systems that enable real-time communication, coordination, and sharing of tactical information between tanks and other units, enhancing overall situational awareness and command capabilities.c. Upgraded Sensors and Optics: Installation of modern thermal imaging sights, night vision systems, and improved sensors for enhanced target detection, identification, and engagement capabilities during day and night operations.
Conclusion
The proposed upgrades for the T-72 and T-90 tanks offer a comprehensive approach to enhancing their combat performance and survivability. By incorporating advanced fire control systems, improved protection systems, and upgraded mobility and command systems, these tanks can adapt to the challenges of modern warfare. Implementing these enhancements would ensure that the T-72 and T-90 tanks remain formidable assets on the battlefield, capable of effectively countering a wide range of threats and maintaining their relevance in the ever-evolving landscape of armored warfare.
* Expert in international relations, such as foreign policy, international trade, domestic security, international security, developing nations, domestic security, intelligence, IT Consultant, world history, political consultant, and military analysis.