The Serbian Armed Forces (SAF) used new T-72MS main battle tanks during exercise ‘Munjeviti Udar (Lightning Strike) 2021′, which was held on 15–27 June. Since the introduction of T-72MS tanks in the SAF armament, members of the unit have undergone intensive training, and since they are excellent tankers, they have mastered handling the new tank in a short time, as demonstrated in this exercise. Successful firing speaks volumes about their level of training and the T-72MS tank’s firepower.
During the training activities, the tank crews are working on improving their tactics, actions and procedures in performing offensive and defensive operations, independently and in cooperation with other SAF units, and practice firing 7.62 mm tank machine guns and 12.7 mm machine guns. By participating in the exercise, the members of the unit gain valuable experience in performing the most complex tank unit tasks, but also confidence in the reliability and power of the new combat vehicle.
The tank was developed, designed and manufactured by the Russian Company UralVagonZavod. The T-72B1MS White Eagle tank has received PN-72U Sosna-U day/night gunners sight. Commanders seat is equipped with PKP-72 Falcon`s Eye (Sokolinyi Glaz) panoramic sight with third-generation thermal imager mounted at the rear of the left side of the turret. To increase protection against HEAT (High-Explosive Anti-Tank) ammunition, the tank is fitted with the Kontakt-1 Explosive Reactive Armor (ERA) mounted on each side of the hull and around the turret.
This new modernized version of the T-72 was specially designed for the export market. In June 2016, 20 T-72B1MS MBTs were delivered to Nicaragua. The Latin American country has planned to purchase a total of 50 T-72B1MS MBTs. In January 2019, Laos has shown a number of T-72B1MS during a military parade in the capital. In November 2020, Serbia has received the first batch of 11 upgraded T-72MS White Eagle main battle tanks from Russia. Serbian army has unveiled its new T-72B1MS White Eagle on November 28, 2020.
