Ukraine has welcomed at least 90 PT-91 Twardy tanks, with 30 arriving in 2022 and an additional 60 this year. Some reports even suggest a total of 168 units. Like the Czech T-72 SCARAB, the PT-91 Twardy is a pinnacle of evolution for the T-72 family, brought over by Western nations and others.
The PT-91 Twardy tanks are a step above, outshining the older T-72B models and the slightly upgraded T-72M1R, particularly in optoelectronics. Thus, the Polish PT-91 Twardy makes an excellent addition to units already operating with modernized T-64BM2 Bulat tanks or those captured from the Russians - T-72B3 and T-80BWM.
PT-91 Twardy: A Polish upgrade with thermal imaging and reactive armor for T-72 tanks
Conceived in the 1990s, the PT-91 Twardy tanks were designed to elevate the Polish armored forces by enhancing the T-72M1 tanks. To address the inferior main armor compared to the Russian T-72B (export versions were always less formidable than the domestic models), Poland opted for reactive armor, ERAWA.
This solution mirrors the Russian tactic of equipping their tanks with Kontakt-1 reactive armor blocks. However, the Polish approach utilized smaller blocks, achieving a denser layer over the main armor while significantly reducing weight, thus preserving mobility. The added protection weight is balanced by the upgraded S-12U engine, boasting 1140 hp.
Polish armor, particularly its second iteration, ERAWA-2, impressively offers partial protection against tandem warhead projectiles aimed at defeating reactive armors, according to Łukasz Michalik.
Enhancements include the fire control system DRAWA, featuring a ballistic computer for gunner correction calculations and a thermal imaging sight that significantly boosts situational awareness and target identification.
Another key modification beneficial for operations in the eastern theater is the self-defense system Obra. It alerts the crew about laser radiation and autonomously launches smoke grenades toward the source. This feature is crucial, especially given the use of laser-guided anti-tank guided missiles (ATGM) like the Russian 9M133 Kornet.
While the 125 mm cannon remains unchanged, and Poland lacks modern anti-tank ammunition, this isn't a significant issue in Ukraine. The PT-91 Twardy has received positive feedback overall, with the primary critique being its underpowered engine, which tends to struggle with the added armor weight.
