Polish PT‑91 tanks boost Ukraine's frontline defenses
Ukrainian soldiers from the 117th Mechanized Brigade gave an interview in which they assessed the Polish PT-91 Twardy tanks. In their opinion, these tanks, based on the Soviet T-72, are noticeably better, and the transfer of PT-91 Twardy tanks to the front has proven to be a significant reinforcement for the defenders' army.
"A group of officers was formed in Lviv, who trained at a training center in Poland. There, we learned how to operate the PT-91 tanks. We mastered the equipment alongside the crews. After a six-week training, in 2023, we returned to Ukraine with these tanks to carry out combat missions. First, in the Zaporizhzhia direction, and now here in the Pokrovsk area, we are advancing against the occupiers," said a Ukrainian commander in an interview with the ArmyInform portal.
Ukrainians assess Polish PT-91 Twardy tanks
Comparing the PT-91 Twardy to its Soviet prototype, Ukrainians emphasize the higher durability of the Polish machine. They attribute this enhanced durability to the use of ERAWA reactive armor. These are blocks with an explosive charge placed between steel plates, designed to disperse the cumulative stream at the moment of explosion.
Members of the 117th Mechanized Brigade recall an incident in which one of the PT-91 Twardy tanks they were using was hit by an enemy anti-tank-guided missile. Although it was immobilized and caught fire, the crew survived and managed to evacuate. Instances where enemy shells exploded close by, and fragments hit the tank occurred repeatedly, but these did not hinder the crews in accomplishing their tasks.
To further increase the durability of the Polish tanks, "grill structures" are installed on them. This enhancement is intended to improve the level of protection against drone attacks.
Among the significant elements introduced by Polish designers in the PT-91 Twardy are the Obra self-defense system, the DRAWA fire control system with a thermal sight, and a more powerful engine than the one in the T-72 (850 horsepower). Ukrainians claim that the PT-91 Twardy can accelerate to 37 mph.
Regarding the Soviet prototype, the armament of the PT-91 Twardy has remained unchanged; it consists of a 125 mm cannon and two machine guns: a 7.62 mm and an anti-aircraft 12.7 mm. However, the large number of drones over Ukraine (including those at high altitudes) has rendered the anti-aircraft machine gun, designed in the 1960s for use against helicopters, largely ineffective.
"If we talk about FPV drones, only the grill will effectively help," Ukrainians assess.
