The T-72 Tank is Ancient. So Why Is It Still the Backbone of Russia's Tank Force? 

Everyone laughs at the old tank until its aimed at you

Moral of the story: A tank is still a tank. Whether it's an old T-55, or a T-72, or the latest T-90. The role needs to be fulfilled for supporting infantry. If you expect every old tank in the world to only encounter the M1A2 SEP v3 variant, you're not very intelligent.

Dont forget. The T-72 is the most sold tank ever and those things are actually pretty good tanks. The Abrams or Leopard are just overpowered

Wouldn't really call it ancient tbh. It is an old tank, indeed. But so are many other tank designs (Leopard 2 [1978~] and the M1 Abrams [1980~] for example). I think the main issue we are seeing with the T-72 is that most nations who are using it are simply incapable of upgrading it to sufficient standards. I am saying "most" because there are successful iterations, such as the latest model M-84 from Serbia which puts T-72B3s to shame. It's all about actually keeping it up to date, not as much about it being "ancient". To just make it clear to anyone who still hasn't gotten my point, just think about it : Are we saying that the Leopard 2 is an ancient design & questioning ourselves why it is still the backbone of many European armies just because older examples like the 2A4 are underperforming in today's environment, or is it still cherished as one of the most capable tanks in the world BECAUSE most of its users do continually upgrade it? It's pretty much the same with the T-72. Don't blame the tank, blame its operating nations & their lack of either interest, funds or even both for it not having the greatest image.

Never underestimate old steels.

In everywar in last 30-40 years, a t55 or a t72 is always present. These tanks are almost omnipotent 😂

T-72 is still very much relevant tank in most of the world.

Yup Javelin is effective against most tanks, but not in every situation. Unlike simple RPG it needs more time for aiming, so in city battles it's not the best option. Also top attack doesn't mean that javelin hits from 90 degree exactly top of the tank. So newer tanks with ERA on most of turret have higher chance of survivability. And when it comes to firepower, 125mm gun is killer. Actually nowadays we don't see a lot Tank VS Tank battles and because Ukraine is armed with like 5-6 different kinds of AT missiles it's not easy task for T-72

The modernized variants of the T-72 are good enough to be fielded even by modern armies.

"Old, not obsolete" -Terminator

A frigging stone club is ancient....yet if I bash someone's head with it, the person will still die.

Note: In fact, tanks are not used to fight other tanks. Rather, their main task is to penetrate the enemy’s defenses. Therefore, it makes sense to compare their capabilities if we compare the characteristics of speed, maneuverability, transportability, and the ability to withstand anti-tank ambushes. In this regard, the Soviet tank building experience was taken into account. World War II: While the American Abrams tank did not, it is a heavy and purely defensive tank with thick front armor that is completely isolated from the side and rear protrusions on the march. An example of this is the recent cemetery of Saudi tanks that were ambushed by the Houthis, with anti-tank weapons considered somewhat old. In addition, the advantage of Soviet tank models over most Western models is that Soviet tanks are placed on a platform (vehicle) while Western tanks are not, and this factor provides a strategic advantage. In fact, the maneuverability and speed of the T-72 or T-90 tank is the most important thing in penetrating enemy ranks, especially in large numbers The T-72 and T-90 tanks fight in any conditions, according to the American magazine ( National Interest ) As a reminder: The American website specialized in the military field (Military Watch Magazine) said that Russia was not interested in sending modern tanks to Ukraine and relied on old and cheap mechanisms, most notably the Soviet T-72 tank (of its various types) because the military reality indicates that the modern tank will not It alone succeeds in changing the course of any war 🔷Each tank has its advantages and disadvantages, and the Russian tanks have disadvantages and advantages, and the American and Western tanks also have disadvantages and advantages, but the Russian tanks It has a high maneuverability and is much better than the western one while the western one is superior in the level of armor 🔴 They were claiming and promoting that the Turkish marches would change the course of the war, so they broke our heads (bayraktar bayraktar bayraktar) when they actually failed and many of them were shot down. They remained silent and then their sense disappeared and then they came with a cylinder (Javelin Javelin.Javelin Javelin Javelin) when they failed they became ( Rombo, Rombo, Rombo )..hohohoho.😂 A talk that is nothing more than gossip in the context of the media war led by the United States and its affiliates and the Western psychological war against Russia

Ancient compared to what? The M1 Abrams is from 1980. Leopard 2 is even older from 1979. You're clueless

It's not like the Leopard 2 or the Abram are new anyway. Most of them "Iconic" modern MBT has been around since the 70s, Abram is a bit younger start popping up in the 80s.

The Abrams tank came in in the early 1980s, so you could say that's ancient too. Really what differences do new technology make? Many aspects can be upgraded, armour, guns, sights etc., and continually are. The 0.5 cal Browning HB MG on the Abrams is still not much different to that used in WW2. Some things don't change that much technologically.

They have many T-72s in storage. They use because they have a lot of them

Cheap, easy to maintain, can be upgraded and easy to use. All day t72!

They have strength in numbers of reserve tanks, but...do they have strength in numbers of personnel to man the tanks?

I think the US should’ve kept older Cold War tanks like the Pattons, for either Reserve, Cannon Fodder, or infantry support (even though their old their still a threat)

Its an old tank platform. But its not an old tank. The T72B3M is one of the most modern tanks out there capable of destroying any other tank available that any oponent can field at this moment. As we've recently seen its more than capable of destroying the M1 Abrams and the Leopard 2A6 and the Stritsvagn 122.

This almost word for word to the last video of the T72 tank.

It’s not even a bad tank they just utilized it badly in the beginning of the war but they’ve actually improved I haven’t seen that many videos of Russian tanks getting destroyed as I have been in the early stages of the conflict in fact I’ve actually seen an increase in Ukrainian tanks get destroyed on video.

I mean, this is why Russia has 12000 tanks and the us has 4000

Its an upgraded tank and a proven design,whose flaws and strengths are well known. Better than a new Tank with 'teething problems' like the chieftain or early T80s especially it means you've got five or six times more Tanks. The T72 was largely meant as a mobilisation/war tank ie a tank that could be churned out in the thousands for peanuts and crewed/fixed by village idiots.The T80 and T64 were meant to take on western tanks,the T72 with its antiquated gunnery system never was

If it kills, why not? It's not that bad, especially with modern modifications

Great video! Very informative. Thank you for sharing. 😊

Excellent video 📹 Not every tank will see combat. Not every tank will be fired on by drones and javelins. But it is important to have a tank gun firing at the enemy everywhere.

Even the T62 refuses to retire...we wait to see the T34.

T-72 can still be upgraded with better sights, era, and fcs

Was very ahead of it's time..

There are many of them around and cheaper to upgrade than build new. A lot of a good thing is better than a few exceptional. Seems there's an inverse relationship of better equals more cost maintenance and breakdowns.

It works with close to no electronic devices, will take part in turret throwing contests

Russia took to Ukraine what they think is sufficient for an operation, not a war. In case NATO gets further involved, Russia will respond with their best and in kind

At 2:51, 3:20 we see a T-72 AV. Thx 'your waifu hates you'

A tank is Better then NO tank.. even if it is a T-34

The technology of tanks don't change much.

Javelin, NLAW……..💀💀💀💀

Probably the same reason we use the B-52

Because the tanks were built after everyone Involved had to make money 💰. So they are made of cheap materials and now we know that.

It's the same age as the M1 Abrams. It's not age that determines relevancy of military equipment.

The M1 Abrams is from 1980 same with leopards challenger mid 80s The name of the tank is literally refurbishment it’s just an empty steel hole that you put new equipment in every so often to upgrade the tank what do you think the M1 Abrams upgrades are it’s the same chassis numbers from the 1980s they just keep upgrading them and calling them new variant it’s cheaper to upgrade a tank hull than completely build a new one. People need to get past the stigma it’s shitty if it’s old. Majority of modern tanks are Cold War tanks that have been refurbished with new equipment

It's doing pretty well in Ukraine. Why are people questioning proven armour? Are people taking ghost of kiev type nonsense seriously?

how about M1 Abrams? it's almost the same age

Thankyou for the real commentary.

Strenght in numbers sounds good, unless you are a russian tank crew....

Like it design😃

Ancient in comparison to what? M1 Abrams came out just 7 years later and no one would call it ancient, and yes, both tanks have recently updated versions.

India operates 2000+ of these tin cans Now army is in deep stress after rus-ukr war 🤣🤣

I liked the OG audio. Who else agrees with me?

It is only a little older than the abrams...

It would be like if the US stuck with an improved M60 tank instead of creating a new generation of tank for the modern era like the Abrams

"Because comrade Russian soldiers are expendable like our tanks" - General Stalinski.

Because Russia has thousands laying around from the Soviet Union and it's cheaper to modernize rather than build an all new platform. There, saved you 10 minutes of your time.

composite had been part of the original machup nevermind the original T72Ural. Hell nobody even had composite and russia had t64 and t72 in service for a good 15 years before anyone else even had composite.

The mistake was this it was in 1982 Lebanon war where the 105mm M111 Hetz DM23 penetrate the T72 front armor

Aren’t there older tank still in service?

If it works it works. Age does not matter

Don't worry, T62 is going to take it's place soon ;)

Very fast an d very informative.

Jiffy Pop tank. It pops when you cook it. 🍿

I was waiting for the flying turrets part, but it's nevet to be seen. Oh, of course this is Military TV.

They weren't very good in the early seventies when they were new,and with a inexperienced crew they are more dangerous to the people in them. There are a lot of one armed turret crew that can testify to how good the auto load system is.

The T72 is a very dangerous tank if you are a T72 tank crew. 😂😂😂

M1 Abrams was designed during 1960-1970s, isnt that ancient?

Because T72 can hunt Gamechanger Abrems and Leopards. Also one T72 hunt 6 Ukraine armoured convoy including Leopard 2 and Bradleys.

Abrams would be great for cold weather arenas where diesel turns into molasses. The T72 has more Variations than Penthouse publishing, and they all suck.

Russia have numbers of Tank and than his counterpart US and NATO have . But the problem with the Russia they don't have proper and adequate storage facilities for these Old Soviet Era Tanks . Because Don't have enough financial support and since after the Collapse of the USSR in 1991 . Unlike the US have the proper and adequate facility storage for their numbers of Tanks and because they have logistic support to allocate and upgrade numbers of these Tanks on their inventory

Well the T72a and b is kinda ancient but not the newer ones

A panzer I would wreck downtown if it was set loose with 3 or 4 hooligans inside.

Russia problem is they live in the past the top is outdated

Thanks for this 👍🇳🇿

Some claim during the gulf war if the iraqis had abrams tanks and the americans the t-72 tanks the americans still would've won do to superior training tactics and logistics.

Old tanks with their inefficiencies messing up the latest NATO leopards tanks 😂

I mean if it works it works. Hell if I see a T-72 aiming its big fuck off gun too me I'll be scared shitless lol

Leopard 2 is so ancient why they still use it😂

M1 is ancient 40 yrs tank... Leopard 2 is older than M1...

And again now mistakes. T72 Ural came into service in 1973, in non soviet Russia even later (Ukraine got them in 76) T-72 was not developed from T-64. It was straight evolution of t-55, especially engine.

I would not want to be in this coffin.

Because it works?

Best thing about this tank is that it is the ultimate party tank. Tickle it from above and it loses its hat like a bottle of champagne

T72 is already obsolete since after the cold war it's no match against modern anti tank missile

T72 is a downgraded cheap alternative option for T64. T72 is a russian design while T64 is a Ukrainian design from Kharkiv, on their basic configuration T64 is much better armored than T72.

Simple. There were so many made after ww2 that you now have an excess of stock!!!! The t72 also makes for a great T91p pressure cooker!!! For drones an man pads. Your welcome Paul 17.16 gmt Uk cheers

If the T-72 is the "backbone" of Russia's tank force", then it's back is broken.

It is a great tank because of its flawed autoloading ammo ring design...When the turret explodes and vaporizes the crew, the government of the disintegrated soldiers can list them as "missing" instead of "killed" and avoid paying any life insurance or death benefits to the family...Also saves on funeral costs, since there is no body to bury or cremate.

Ancient compared to which one that is called modern. Abrams tank.developed in 1972. Challenger 2 developed in the mid 1980s

At 3:56, why does this video show the ammunition hoist system of a battle ship turret while talking about the autoloader? That has _nothing_ to do with how the russian autoloaders work ...

Right… the T-72b3 isn’t built in 2010 or anything

Russian tanks aren’t bad, they just have limits and the Russians lack the new use of tank tactics.

Why nobody named a band "The T-72's"? The B-52's were a successful band! 😁

The problem is people watch the internet and see an Abrams or challenger videos and say ohh Russian tanks are shit etc But a tank is still a tank

Oh, this is 3 weeks old. Make a new one on the T62.

You need actual tankers do the commentary.

Russia should of just kept to t80s and made more t90m

Is this a weird regional accent I've never heard of before or is this buggy synthetic speech? "Seven-tuh-two". I mean I've heard that kinda thing before but not in combo with a vanilla American accent like this.

It is nor the backbone at all.. its storage equipment, and militia gear

They were believed to have 2000? How many do they have now?

Slow down the speed you read this text.

Abrams isn't much newer so calling the T-72 ancient is just dumb. Ancient? Ancient compared to what?

The M1 Abrams is almost as old as the T-72 lol. Click-bait.