Upgraded Soviet T-72 tanks from the Netherlands are now in the possession of Ukraine

The Dutch Ministry of Defense has announced that it has completed the delivery of upgraded T-72 tanks to Ukraine, fulfilling its commitment. In a recent statement, the ministry confirmed, “The Netherlands has now delivered the last battle tanks it pledged to Ukraine.”

This initiative was a collaborative effort between the Dutch government and the administration of former U.S. President Joseph Biden, which jointly financed the acquisition, refurbishment, and modernization of T-72M/M1 tanks obtained from Czech reserves.

The refurbishment was executed by Excalibur Armor, a Czech defense contractor recognized for its proficiency in modernizing Soviet-era armored vehicles to meet contemporary combat requirements.

Throughout the refurbishment, the T-72 tanks underwent substantial enhancements to improve their battlefield performance. They were equipped with advanced dynamic armor for better protection, a Czech-developed communication system from MESIT, and a new digital control interface.

Moreover, their night vision systems were upgraded to improve effectiveness in low-light conditions, and the tanks received a more powerful engine, increasing their output to 840 horsepower.

The Dutch government’s intention to supply these upgraded tanks was first revealed in early 2023. By April of that year, an official military aid list for Ukraine included 45 T-72 tanks, as part of a larger initiative to assist Ukrainian forces in their ongoing conflict with Russia. The delivery process, which took nearly two years, is reported to have concluded in early 2025.

The battlefield remains harsh despite the recent reinforcements. Reports indicate that the Russian military has successfully targeted and destroyed several modernized T-72EA tanks across different combat zones, highlighting the intense nature of the ongoing conflict.

Nonetheless, the introduction of these upgraded tanks enhances the firepower and survivability of Ukrainian forces, bolstering their ability to withstand Russian offensives and launch counterattacks when feasible.

This transfer of tanks represents a significant addition to Ukraine’s military capabilities, reflecting the ongoing support from Western allies in their war efforts. As military assistance continues to arrive from European and NATO partners, the strategic implications of these reinforcements are crucial in the shifting dynamics of the conflict between Ukraine and Russia.

Since the beginning of the Russian invasion in February 2022, the Netherlands has played a pivotal role as a key international ally, providing extensive military support to aid Ukraine in its defense against aggression.

The Dutch commitment to Ukraine has been comprehensive, encompassing not only the provision of military equipment but also training, logistical assistance, and the establishment of strategic partnerships.

From the outset, the Netherlands has clearly articulated its position, with Prime Minister Mark Rutte underscoring the significance of a free and independent Ukraine. The Dutch have been vital in delivering both lethal and non-lethal military support, supplying a variety of equipment tailored to meet Ukraine’s urgent battlefield requirements.

The total amount of military assistance from the Netherlands since the onset of the conflict is substantial, with commitments totaling billions of euros. This aid encompasses direct contributions from Dutch military reserves, commercial acquisitions, and collaborative initiatives with allied nations.

The Netherlands has supplied Ukraine with a range of military equipment, including armored vehicles, artillery systems, anti-aircraft defenses, and, most notably, F-16 fighter jets. A commitment has been made to transfer 42 F-16A/B aircraft to Ukraine, with several of these jets already in use for training Ukrainian pilots.

Beyond hardware, the Netherlands has prioritized the enhancement of Ukraine’s air defense systems, which are essential for countering Russian airstrikes targeting civilian and critical infrastructure. This support has included the provision of Patriot missile systems, which have played a crucial role in intercepting enemy missiles. Additionally, the Netherlands has bolstered Ukraine’s artillery capabilities by supplying PzH 2000 howitzers, thereby increasing Ukraine’s artillery effectiveness.

Tanks and armored personnel carriers represent another key component of Dutch military support. In collaboration with countries such as Germany and Denmark, the Netherlands has committed to delivering Leopard 1 and 2 tanks, along with other armored vehicles like the YPR-765, which have been instrumental in ground operations.

The Netherlands has been actively involved in training Ukrainian military personnel by dispatching instructors to the UK and participating in EU training missions. This training program includes not only combat techniques but also logistics, medical assistance, and demining operations, reflecting a comprehensive strategy for enhancing military capabilities.

The financial aspect of this support is significant as well. The Dutch government has committed considerable resources, with pledges extending through 2025, ensuring ongoing assistance. This financial support not only addresses the procurement of military equipment but also bolsters the overall Ukrainian defense budget, facilitating the upkeep and operational expenses of the supplied assets.

In addition to direct military support, the Netherlands has engaged in wider European initiatives to assist Ukraine, participating in efforts such as the Ukraine Defense Contact Group and contributing to NATO’s extensive support packages for Ukraine. This collaborative strategy highlights the Dutch dedication to collective security in Europe.

The T-72 tank is among the most widely manufactured and utilized main battle tanks globally, having been in service with various nations since its launch in the early 1970s.

Originally developed by the Soviet Union as a more efficient and simplified alternative to the T-64, the T-72 has become a fundamental component of Warsaw Pact armored units and has undergone significant modernization over the years.

The initial T-72 tank was equipped with a 125mm smoothbore cannon and an autoloader, which allowed for a reduced crew size of three members. It was driven by a V-46 diesel engine that generated 780 horsepower, enabling a maximum speed of around 60 km/h. Its armor protection was based on a mix of cast steel and composite materials, with later iterations adding explosive reactive armor (ERA) to enhance defense against contemporary anti-tank threats.

A variety of T-72 variants have been created to meet evolving battlefield needs. The T-72A, launched in the late 1970s, boasted upgraded armor and a laser rangefinder for improved targeting accuracy.

The T-72B, introduced in the mid-1980s, featured a more sophisticated fire control system, the capability to fire anti-tank guided missiles (ATGMs) from its main gun, and enhanced armor protection. The T-72B1 was a more economical version that omitted the missile capability while retaining most of the other enhancements.

In the 2010s, the T-72B3 was released, offering significant advancements in the tank’s performance, including a modern fire control system, thermal imaging sights, a more powerful engine, and advanced reactive armor. The T-72B3M further improved upon this with the addition of a new Relikt ERA package, an upgraded main gun stabilizer, and further protective enhancements. These variants have been widely utilized by Russia, especially in recent conflicts.

The T-72 family has also been expanded through export and licensed production versions. The Polish PT-91 Twardy introduced local fire control enhancements and composite armor. The Czech T-72M and T-72M1 served as simplified export models, while India’s T-72 Ajeya included domestic modifications. Iraq’s Asad Babil was a locally produced variant that featured downgraded components compared to the Soviet-built versions.

Numerous upgrade packages have been created by various countries and companies to maintain the T-72’s relevance in contemporary combat scenarios. Notable examples include the Slovakian T-72M2 Moderna, which incorporates Western-style fire control and protection systems, and the Ukrainian T-72AMT, equipped with advanced digital communications, enhanced explosive reactive armor (ERA), and thermal imaging optics. Furthermore, modernization initiatives like the T-72EA aim to improve the tank’s night combat capabilities and overall operational effectiveness.

Despite its age, the T-72 continues to be a significant asset on the battlefield, thanks to ongoing modernization efforts and its widespread availability. It has participated in numerous conflicts, ranging from the Iran-Iraq War to the current war in Ukraine, where various T-72 models have been utilized with differing levels of success. Although newer tank models provide better protection and firepower, the T-72’s versatility ensures its enduring role within global armored forces.