Czech Republic to supply Ukraine with upgraded T-72 tanks

The Czech Republic is considering transferring about 30 modernised T-72M4CZ tanks to Ukraine. 

The vehicles are said to rival some of Russia’s most advanced tanks, including the T-90M, Caliber.Az reports, citing the Czech Ministry of Defence website.

Chief of the General Staff Karel Řehka announced that the modernisation program had been planned even before the outbreak of the full-scale war.

Once the upgrades are completed, he intends to recommend that the Czech government deliver the tanks to Ukraine in the interest of national security. 

The T-72M4CZ modernisation program began in the 1990s, following the Gulf War, which exposed the technological gap between Soviet and Western tanks.

For the record, the T-72M4CZ, a Czech-upgraded version of the Soviet-era T-72, was developed in the 1990s to enhance firepower, mobility, and protection to near Western standards. 

Featuring advanced fire control systems, dynamic armour, and a 1,000-horsepower engine, it remains one of the most modern T-72 variants in NATO.

By Khagan Isayev