As Ukrainian military analyst Andriy Tarasenko stated on Telegram, quoted by the Military portal, Russia began to modernize older T-72 A tanks due to the exhaustion of T-72 B stocks. The recording published by the analyst indicates that there has been a clear change at the Uralvagonzavod arms plant – it shows that new elements have appeared on old tanks, including: protection modules along the side covers.
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Russian tank. First renovation, then modernization
The possibility of such a situation was already reported in September 2025 by the Defense Express website, pointing out that several hundred T-72A tanks had been delivered to the Uralvagonzavod plant in the city of Nizhny Tagil (Sverdlovsk Oblast in the Asian part of Russia). The vehicles have been stored since the Cold War, usually without protection against weather conditions, which requires their comprehensive renovation before modernization.
The T-72 is a main battle tank of Soviet production, introduced into service in the first half of the 20th century. 70. Over time, the USSR sold licenses for its production to several countries, including Poland. The T-72 A is its modernized version, on the basis of which the T-72 B was developed, equipped with, among others, the ability to fire anti-tank guided missiles from the gun.
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The Russian arms industry has been modernizing older versions of the T-72 for several years, including: by installing newer fire control, communication and observation systems, as well as additional armor. By 2036, at least 800 tanks are to be modernized in this way – to the version designated T-72B3. In addition, 1,118 new T-90M and T-90M2 tanks are to be produced or modernized between 2027 and 2029.
According to the Militarnyj portal, the complete modernization of T-72A tanks to the T-72B3M level will require, among others, comprehensive replacement of electronics, redesign of the chassis, loading mechanism, and even hull and turret armor packages.
