Heavy combat vehicles are continuing to be delivered to Ukraine in the fight against the Russian invasion
Like other NATO allies, the Czech Republic is also an active military donor to Ukraine
In the latest military aid package, the Czech company Excalibur Army is ready to deliver 20 T-72EA main battle tanks to Ukraine
The information was published on January 10, 2023
This is part of a funding package of 90 T-72EA tanks agreed to be produced for Ukraine, co-funded by the United States and the Netherlands
The T-72 tanks to be upgraded to T-72EA come from the mobilization stocks of the former Warsaw Pact countries
The original tanks are completely disassembled, inspected, selected parts are replaced, a complete engine overhaul takes place
and new modernization components are delivered
The modernized version of the Soviet-made T-72 tank for Ukraine is called T-72EA.
According to Armyrecognition, the T-72EA retains the original design of the T-72 with the driver's position in the front center of the hull
the turret in the middle, and the powerpack at the rear
The crew consists of 3 people including driver, commander and gunner.
The main weapon of the T-72 is still retained
It is a 120mm 2A46 gun combined with an automatic reloading system, giving a maximum range of up to 4,000 m
There are 24 rounds ready to use
The auxiliary weapon is a 7.62mm coaxial machine gun mounted to the right of the main weapon
The integration of explosive reactive armor on the commander cupola resulted in the removal of the 12.7mm gun
The front and sides of the hull are also equipped with ERA armor as well as the front of the turret
The T-72EA is also equipped with a new radio communication system, a new digital dashboard for the driver
new night vision systems, a thermal camera, and Eye-Safe Laser Range Finder
The engine was also completely overhauled to increase power from 780 to 840 hp
The T-72EA is currently being modernized by the Czech Excalibur Army
Basically, the Czech company has been helping Ukraine since the beginning of the war
The tanks would be delivered soon, based on photos posted online
which includes a message written by the Prime Minister of the Czech Republic on one of the T-72 tank's barrel
90 tanks is roughly equivalent to 2 tank battalions configured according to the NATO equipment table