The Czech Republic handed over all its T-72M1 tanks to Ukraine and finally decommissioned them

The Czech Republic has completed the transfer to Ukraine of all its Soviet-style T-72M1 tanks, which have been available since the days of Czechoslovakia. In total, we are talking about 86 units of equipment. Some of them were modernized to the T-72M4 CZ standard in the 2000s, with new sights, reinforced armor, modern engines and fire control systems. Others remained in the basic T-72M1 configuration.

After Russia’s full-scale invasion of Ukraine began, the Czech Republic, together with its allies (including the Netherlands and the United States), initiated a program to repair and transfer these tanks to the Ukrainian Armed Forces. Some of the vehicles were even upgraded to the T-72EA standard, with the latest thermal imaging sights and increased protection. The transfer took place in several stages in 2022-2024.

The T-72M1 tank has a 125-mm smoothbore gun and is capable of firing up to 8 rounds per minute. It is a type of vehicle well known to the Ukrainian Armed Forces and is actively used at the front.

The Czech Republic is now finally withdrawing Soviet tanks from its arsenal. It is expected that they will be replaced by German Leopard 2A4 tanks, which meet NATO standards and have higher combat effectiveness.

It is important to note that Estonian defense companies are actively developing cooperation with Ukraine.