Czech T‑72 tank transfers to Ukraine: Why it took so long
The Czech press reports that transferring 86 T-72 tanks to Ukraine took over two years. The last 20 tanks reached Ukraine at the beginning of 2025. Analysts from the Ukrainian portal Defense Express are trying to answer an important question: why did the transfer of tanks take so long?
The Czech press indicates that at the beginning of 2025, Ukraine received the final batch of 20 T-72 tanks from the Czech Republic. This process began in August 2022 and extended over two years. These tanks, although produced in the 1980s, were in good technical condition and did not require additional repair work. So, why was the transfer delayed?
Problems with modernization
Defense Express highlights that, on one hand, transferring more tanks to Ukraine is good news because 20 machines will reach the front lines without needing additional training for the soldiers. On the other hand, analysts note that the process of transferring the tanks started in August 2022 and lasted over two years.
The report mentions that the last batch of tanks were machines produced in the 1980s and were in good technical condition, meaning no extra renovation work was necessary. However, it's important to note that the Czech army will still have 30 T-72M4CZ tanks currently being modernized, with the process expected to be completed by December 31, 2025.
Experts point out, however, that the modernization will be conducted in a "limited" form. Initially, there were plans to upgrade the chassis and fire control system, but the Czech military will only refurbish the chassis due to issues with delivering parts. Additionally, the Czechs express concern over the protracted process of acquiring new Leopard 2A8s.
Reasons for delays
Analysts identify two main reasons for the delays in transferring the T-72 tanks. The first relates to the limited capacity of the Czech defense industry to renovate the remaining machines quickly. The second potential reason is that the Czech military may have wanted to store the tanks in warehouses for as long as possible—and in the best possible condition.
The T-72M1 machines transferred to Ukraine are second-generation main battle tanks from the Soviet era, equipped with an engine producing 780 horsepower. Thanks to this powerful engine, the approximately 88,000-pound machine can achieve a maximum speed of about 37 mph on paved surfaces.
This tank features a 125 mm smoothbore cannon, a 7.62 mm machine gun, and a 12.7 mm anti-aircraft machine gun. Although enhanced armor has been applied compared to the T-72M model, the T-72M1 still falls short in crew protection compared to newer armored machines, particularly those produced in Western countries.
