Ukrainian Army gets five upgraded T-72 tanks (Photos, video)

State-owned Kyiv Armored Plant, which is part of the state-run military-industrial conglomerate Ukroboronprom, has transferred five upgraded T-72 tanks to the Armed Forces of Ukraine.

Read alsoU.S. announces $125 mln military aid to UkraineThe overhaul of the first batch of tanks was carried out as part of the state defense order – this upgrading is designed to improve the combat and technical characteristics of the military hardware, according to Ukroboronprom's press service.

The T-72 tanks have been upgraded with 840-hp engines; the chassis has been improved with tracks from the T-80 tank, while night vision devices have been retrofitted with modern electron-optical converters of the third generation. Also, the tanks have been equipped with a reactive armor system and an upgraded fire-fighting equipment system.

"One of the main features of the T-72 tank is the ability to fire state-owned Luch Design Bureau's Kombat high-precision guided missiles whose aiming range is 4 km. The Kombat is able to penetrate 750mm thick armor and easily handles the enemy's reactive armor," it said.

In addition, the tanks are equipped with a set of modern digital radio stations and satellite navigation systems, which allows maintaining communication with infantry units to enhance interaction on the battlefield.