Poland Has Turned The Soviet T-72 Into A Powerful Weapon
- 20.05.2025, 12:42
This modification is in demand from Malaysia to Ukraine.
Poland, having a significant number of obsolete T-72 tanks in service after the collapse of the USSR, decided not to write off the equipment, but to modernize it. So in the 1990s, the PT-91 Twardy appeared - a modernized version of the Soviet tank, which became the basis of the Polish armored forces for decades, writes 19FortyFive (translated by Charter97.org).
The main difference between the Twardy and the basic T-72 was the use of the Polish ERAWA dynamic protection, which effectively counteracts both shaped charge and armor-piercing shells. Unlike its Soviet counterpart Kontakt-1, ERAWA uses non-metallic modules, which are easier to maintain and replace.
The PT-91 also received the modern Drawa fire control system, including a laser rangefinder, ballistic calculator, thermal imager and two-axis stabilization. This allowed the tank to fire effectively on the move and in low visibility conditions, something the T-72 lacked.
In addition, the Twardy was fitted with modern Polish radios, communications systems and laser threat sensors, which improved crew survivability and controllability.
Although the PT-91 retained the 125mm smoothbore gun from the T-72, the improved fire control and stabilization systems greatly increased its effectiveness. The loader has also been modernized.
The engine has also undergone significant changes. Instead of the obsolete T-72M1 engine, the Polish S-12U diesel engine with an output of 850 hp was installed, and in the export version of the PT-91M - a 1000 hp engine with RENK automatic transmission, which provided the tank with better maneuverability and reliability.
Poland developed several modifications of the PT-91, including the export version PT-91M Pendekar for Malaysia, which received Western electronics, Thales thermal imaging cameras and improved transmission. This allowed Poland to carve out a niche in the international arms market.
Before Western Leopard 2 and K2 Black Panther deliveries, the PT-91 tank remained Poland's main battle tank. With the outbreak of a full-scale war with Russia in 2022, Poland actively began transferring these tanks to Ukraine.
The PT-91 has proven to be a valuable reinforcement for the Ukrainian Armed Forces, as it is based on the T-72, which is familiar to Ukrainian crews, and does not require significant retraining.
Limitations: still "Soviet based"
Despite modernization, the PT-91 retains the vulnerabilities typical of the T-72. The ammunition is still located in the manned compartment, making the tank vulnerable to being hit. The ERAWA cannot cope with the most modern NATO 120 mm armor-piercing shells.
The PT-91 nevertheless remains an example of how a Soviet platform can be used to create a capable and relevant combat vehicle that is effectively adapted to the conditions of modern warfare.