Polish T‑72M1R tanks boost Ukraine's firepower in Kharkiv

In the video below, likely from the summer, you can see the crew of the former Polish T-72M1R tank firing at Russian targets. Among other things, its Polish origin is marked by the third-generation KLW-1 Asteria thermal imaging camera from PCO.

Poland has delivered approximately 200 to 300 T-72M1R tanks and at least 60 to 90 PT-91 Twardy tanks to Ukraine. The T-72M1R tanks are a budget-friendly upgrade featuring the installation of a third-generation KLW-1 Asteria thermal imaging camera for the gunner and modified communication systems.

Other components of the tank, including the basic armour without reactive armour and the old 125 mm calibre gun, remain unchanged. However, the Ukrainians promptly addressed these aspects, upgrading the tanks with Kontakt-1 reactive armour blocks and superior anti-armour ammunition for the gun. The exceptions were only captured Russian new-generation missiles, which are intended for exclusive use in the T-72B3/M, T-90, and T-80BWM.

Moreover, former Polish tanks were often reinforced with cage armour, foldable anti-drone nets, or jammers. Consequently, a machine exceeding the performance of Soviet-era equipment, such as the T-72B or T-80BW tanks, was created. These tanks, despite having better armour than the Polish variant, are somewhat "blind" at night or in poor weather conditions.

Thanks to the thermal imaging camera, the gunner of the Polish T-72M1R tank has improved visibility, enabling them to detect and fire at the opponent's tank first. This is often sufficient, as any penetration of the armour of post-Soviet tanks can result in a dramatic explosion due to the construction of the ammunition storage with an automatic loader.

It's also worth noting that in recent months, the Russians have fewer new machines like the T-90M, and often relics like the T-62 and T-54/55 appear on the front lines, becoming easy targets for Polish T-72M1 tanks.