The Armor of Iran’s T-72s: Specifications and Upgrades

Iran's T-72s, particularly the most prolific variant, the T-72S, have been a cornerstone of its armored forces for several decades. These tanks, originally refitted from the T-72A with T-72B optics, fire control, and electronics, have a unique history. However, with Iran's advancements and the passage of time, understanding the current armor specifications has become increasingly complex.

The primary focus of this discussion is on the armor of Iran's T-72 fleet, with a particular emphasis on their reactive armor capabilities and updates over the years. Reactive armor, a critical component of modern tank defenses, plays a significant role in enhancing the tank's survivability against various threats.

Overview of the Iranian T-72 Tank

The T-72, a Soviet main battle tank, has had a significant presence in Iran's armed forces since the 1980s. The T-72S is an in-house variant that received these enhancements, but its original armor specifications haven't been altered. The complexity arises from the fact that Iran has been continually upgrading its tank fleet, including the T-72S, over the past 24 years. This process has involved a mix of different tanks, including some of Iran's own designs, rendering it challenging to determine the current armor specifications accurately.

Reactive Armor: The Key to Enhancement

One of the most noteworthy features of the Iranian T-72s is their extensive use of reactive armor (ERA). Reactive armor works by detonating explosive layers when a kinetic energy weapon impacts the armor plating, thereby dissipating the energy of the incoming round. The effectiveness of reactive armor critically depends on the type of ERA installed and the type of ammunition used. However, the exact thickness of the effective armor at various locations is highly variable.

Consider a simplified look at the base armor material, which typically consists of a composite structure. Different locations on the tank, such as the hull, turret front, hull side, and turret sides, have differing armor compositions and thicknesses. For example, the turret front may be much thicker and made of a more advanced composite structure compared to the hull or sides, which often have reactive armor added on top.

Based on the information provided in the Wikipedia article on the T-72, we can estimate the current armor thickness. However, it's important to note that estimating the actual thickness with certainty is difficult without detailed manufacturer specifications or field testing results. This estimation might look like:

Hull: Likely around 160-200mm depleted uranium (DU) armor, with reactive armor providing additional protection. Turret Front: Potentially 200-250mm WZ-2 composite armor, with a significant layer of reactive tiles. Hull Sides and Rear: Approximately 120-160mm composite armor, with reactive armor thinning effectiveness. Turret Sides and Rear: Around 120-160mm composite armor, with reactive tiles enhancing protection.

Upgrades and Developments in Tank Armor

Beyond reactive armor, Iran has also made significant strides in developing active protection systems (APS) for its tanks and armored vehicles. Active protection systems, like the Israeli-built Iron Fist system, are designed to intercept incoming threats in real-time, providing a layer of defense that reactive armor alone cannot provide.

Iran's mixed tank fleet, which includes homemade tanks, further complicates the armor estimations. Iran has its own 3rd generation plus tank, which is thought to be similar to an upgraded Russian T-90. Additionally, some sources suggest that there is a major upgrade to T-55 or Type 59 tanks, called the Safir Type 72Z. This tank too has been extensively uparmored with ERA tiles, reflecting Iran's dedication to enhancing its tank defenses.

In conclusion, the armor of Iran's T-72s is a dynamic and evolving aspect of its armored forces. The use of reactive armor and the development of active protection systems have significantly enhanced the tank's survivability. Understanding the precise specifications, however, requires detailed and up-to-date information, which is not always readily available. As Iran continues to upgrade its tank fleet, the current armor standards will continue to evolve, reflecting the ongoing advancements in tank technology.

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