Techcroatia's tank deal: bolstering ukraine's frontline forces

croatia's tank deal: bolstering ukraine's frontline forces

In October 2024, information emerged about the possible transfer of 30 M-84 tanks and 30 M-80A infantry fighting vehicles from Croatia's stockpiles to Ukraine. In return, the country expected that Germany would finance part of the contract related to the purchase of 50 Leopard 2A8 tanks. What is known about the Croatian M-84 tanks?

Croatian M-84A4.
Croatian M-84A4.
Images source: © ex13, cc by-sa 3.0
ed. KMO

The Defence24 service pointed out a video likely showing the transport of Croatian M-84 tanks to Germany, from where they would be sent to Ukraine. It is unknown when the footage was taken. It is also unclear which version of the Croatian tanks is visible in it. "These could be either the non-modernized M-84/84A or the upgraded M-84A4," informs Defence24.

croatian tanks for ukraine

The M-84 and M-84A4 tanks are derived from the Soviet T-72 design, which was adapted and improved in the former Yugoslavia. The M-84 was developed in the 1980s and is based on the T-72M design, but its project was modified to meet the local armed forces' requirements. It is equipped with a 125-mm smoothbore 2A46 gun, supported by an automatic loading system.

The M-84 tank is powered by a V46-6 diesel engine producing 780 horsepower and can reach a maximum speed of about 60 km/h on roads and about 45 km/h off-road. The tank's armour is made from composite materials and steel, providing solid protection against artillery shrapnel, among other threats. The operational range of this vehicle is nearly 450 km.

The M-84A4 "Sniper" version is a significantly improved variant of this tank, introduced in the 1990s. It features a modernized fire control system, which greatly enhances the accuracy and effectiveness of its fire, especially at night and in adverse weather conditions. The modern targeting system, supported by thermal imaging and a laser rangefinder, allows for precise targeting at greater distances.

The M-84A4 also uses an improved engine with 1,000 horsepower, which translates to better off-road performance, including increased mobility and acceleration. The M-84A4 has upgraded composite armour, increasing resistance to anti-tank projectiles, and a protection system against weapons of mass destruction.

© Daily Wrap
·About us
·Terms of service
·Contact us
·Privacy policy
·

Downloading, reproduction, storage, or any other use of content available on this website—regardless of its nature and form of expression (in particular, but not limited to verbal, verbal-musical, musical, audiovisual, audio, textual, graphic, and the data and information contained therein, databases and the data contained therein) and its form (e.g., literary, journalistic, scientific, cartographic, computer programs, visual arts, photographic)—requires prior and explicit consent from Wirtualna Polska Media Spółka Akcyjna, headquartered in Warsaw, the owner of this website, regardless of the method of exploration and the technique used (manual or automated, including the use of machine learning or artificial intelligence programs). The above restriction does not apply solely to facilitate their search by internet search engines and uses within contractual relations or permitted use as specified by applicable law.Detailed information regarding this notice can be found  here.