Learning from the war in Ukraine: the Israeli company modernized T-72 tanks for Azerbaijan

Tanks received additional Kontakt-5 reactive armor modules — for the tower and sides. This is protection against cluster munitions and kinetic projectiles.

At the ADEX 2024 international defense exhibition in Baku, Azerbaijan presented a modernized version of its T-72 tanks. The modernization program takes into account the lessons learned from the war in Ukraine and reflects the need to increase the firepower and protection of armored vehicles. Army Recognition writes about this.

The tanks were updated in cooperation with Elbit Systems — by an Israeli defense company specializing in advanced defense technologies, with which Azerbaijan has cooperated before.

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Modernized T-72A tanks are equipped with a modern sighting system and an advanced fire control system developed by Elbit Systems. These innovations increase shooting accuracy and targeting efficiency. Autonomous fire control systems will enable the Azerbaijani forces to maintain an operational advantage and more effectively hit targets day and night. The new system combines day, night and laser channels, provides commanders and gunners with a full range of guidance tools.

Tanks received additional Kontakt-5 reactive armor modules — for the tower and sides. Kontakt-5 protects against cluster munitions and kinetic projectiles. At the same time, Azerbaijani engineers retained some elements of the old Kontakt-1 armor, probably due to ease of repair in the field.

Azerbaijan has a significant fleet of T-72 tanks, including the original Soviet T-72A and T-72B, and also modernization of the T-72 Aslan.