Ukrainian troops seize advanced Russian T‑72B3 tank in Kurakhove
In the Kurakhove region, a Ukrainian brigade captured a Russian T-72B3 tank. This article outlines the capabilities of this equipment and explains why its loss is significant for the Russians.
The war in eastern Ukraine continues, with battles shifting to new areas. Both sides employ various types of weapons and often capture them from the opponent on the battlefield. Capturing enemy equipment has become common, especially amid intense fighting. In October, it was reported that a Ukrainian brigade captured a rare Russian T-90S tank. This is not the only recent acquisition by Ukrainian forces.
Ukrainians captured a T-72B3 tank
The 35th Independent Marine Infantry Brigade captured a Russian T-72B3 tank in the Kurakhove region. Sources from the Militarnyi service state the vehicle was seized during an assault after the crew was eliminated using FPV drones. A logistics battalion then organized the tank's evacuation from the battlefield.
A soldier involved in capturing the tank announced that "it will be restored and then used by the Ukrainian crew against the occupiers."
The captured T-72B3 tank is featured in the video material.
Why is this such an important capture?
Seizing tanks on the battlefield is relatively common, and Russian T-72B3s have already fallen into Ukrainian hands multiple times.
The T-72B3 is an economic modernization of the T-72B tank, introduced in 2011. The vehicle boasts advanced observation systems. It initially used French Catherine-FC thermal imaging cameras, later replaced with the 1PN-96MT-02 thermal sight. The new version is also compatible with newer armour-piercing ammunition from the Svinets family, featuring a longer penetrator.
The modernized version has reinforced armour and greater resistance to attacks. Ukrainian sources note that the captured model was equipped with additional protective measures.
The T-72B3 tank is crucial in the Russian armed forces, serving as a main element of armoured offensives. The upgrades enhance its performance under the dynamic conditions of contemporary military conflicts. According to "The Military Balance 2021" report, Russia had 1,150 T-72B3 tanks in 2021, but wartime conditions have accelerated their production. The Militarnyi service reports that Russia can currently produce about 30 T-72B3 tanks per month.
