Baku is moving away from Moscow: Azerbaijan is modernizing its T-72 tanks with Israel

Cooperation with the Israeli company Elbit Systems has not only military, but also political significance. Russian officials said that Moscow is losing an important strategic partner in the region.

Azerbaijan's defense strategy shows a rapid departure from Russia, which becomes evident during the modernization of the fleet of T-72 tanks, which received the designation Aslan (Lion). Initially, these machines were purchased in the USSR, and today Azerbaijan has about 400 units of tanks. But if earlier the main suppliers for their modernization were Russia and Belarus, now cooperation with the Israeli company Elbit Systems plays a key role. This is reported by the Bulgarian Military publication.

The modernization of Azerbaijan's T-72 tanks by Elbit Systems underscores the country's desire to diversify its military partnerships, gradually moving away from dependence on Russian military equipment. This step also signals the expansion of strategic cooperation with Israel. According to available information, the modernized tanks were presented at the international military exhibition ADEX 2024 in Baku, while the exact number of modernized vehicles remains unknown.

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According to sources, the modernized tanks are equipped with advanced fire control and surveillance systems, as well as dynamic protection “Kontakt-5”, which significantly increases their combat capabilities. In addition, protective nets are installed on the cars to counter drones and explosive devices. These measures are aimed at protecting tanks from threats identified during recent military conflicts, particularly in Ukraine.

Political consequences

Cooperation with Israel has not only military, but also political significance, as Azerbaijan seeks to reduce dependence on the Russian Federation. Former Russian officials such as Yuriy Borisov and Oleksiy Arbatov have expressed concern about the turn, stressing that Moscow is losing an important strategic partner in the region. At the same time, against the background of the intensifying conflict in Nagorno-Karabakh, the strengthening of the Azerbaijani army with the help of Israeli technologies can have a serious impact on the balance of power in the region, observers concluded.

Characteristics of the modernized T-72

• fire control systems have been updated using advanced solutions from Elbit Systems to increase accuracy;
• dynamic protection — “Kontakt-5” modules are installed on the tower and sides;
• air defense — installed protective screens to counter UAVs;
• additional improvements — integration of day, night and laser channels to improve combat capabilities in any conditions.