Ukrainian forces deploy cutting-edge PT‑91 tanks in the Kursk region
5:31 PM EDT, August 12, 2024
Ukrainians continue operations in the Kursk region, which belongs to Russia, rotating additional battalions. Some of these are equipped with PT-91 Twardy tanks, a development the designers never imagined would be facing a new Battle of Kursk. Here's what the Polish machines are capable of.
The Ukrainians aim to strengthen their presence in the Kursk region against a potential Russian counterattack and push their frontlines forward. Among the notable equipment, alongside the German Marders, are the Polish PT-91 Twardy tanks.
PT-91 Twardy tanks: the pinnacle of T-72M1 evolution in Poland
The PT-91 Twardy tank was developed in the 1990s through a modernization program for the T-72M1 tank, aiming to surpass the Russian upgrades of the T-72B tanks. It is worth noting that these featured better base armor compared to export versions.
The key element of the Polish modernization effort was the development of reactive armor, designed to cover the tank's base armor as tightly as possible while maintaining high effectiveness and low weight. This effort led to the creation of the ERAWA armor, as described by Wirtualna Polska journalist Łukasz Michalik, which later evolved into the ERAWA-2.
ERAWA provides 95% protection against the most common single-warhead cumulative shells, similar to those used on FPV drones. Unlike the Soviet Kontakt-1, the Polish shield offers partial protection against double-warhead cumulative shells and kinetic penetrators. Additionally, the Polish blocks are very small (6 inches), allowing them to cover the tank tightly, and are lighter than competing solutions.
Other upgrades to the PT-91 Twardy tank include the more powerful S-12U engine with 850 horsepower, the improved DRAWA fire control system with a thermal imaging sight, and the Obra self-defense system that warns the crew of laser beam illumination. The latter system also automatically deploys smoke grenades, making it difficult for operators, such as those using Kornet, to target the tank.
The main components that remained relatively unchanged were the 125 mm caliber cannon and the autoloader, which presented a high risk to the crew. However, the reinforced armor of the PT-91 Twardy enables these tanks to survive multiple hits from anti-tank guided missiles, giving the crew a chance to evacuate safely.
