T-72M/M1/B/BK/AG/S [Main Battle Tank]

[Capsule Djazairïa]

THE T-72 UPGRADE TRIALS IN ALGERIA
At the end of the 1970s, Algeria was one of the first countries, outside of the Warsaw Pact, to acquire the T-72. During the 1980s, more than 400 units, mainly consisting of T-72M, M1, M2, B and BK variants, were acquired.

In 1997, the Algerian People's National Army (ANP) attempted to purchase Czech T-72s to bolster its fleet, but the export deal was blocked by the Czech government. Two years later, the ANP supposedly began negotiating through a third party to purchase a large batch (estimated at more than 160 units) of Czech T-72M2/B tanks, which were reportedly delivered starting from 2001/2002.

This makes the estimated number of T-72s in service with the ANP range anywhere from around 300 to potentially 1000 tanks. The number of T-72s in Algeria would be near impossible to accurately determine as, like many other African nations, many were acquired unofficially after the fall of the USSR through smuggling, resulting in a total absence of public documentation.

In 2006, the Algerian Defense Ministry announced and held an absentee tender for the modernization of its T-72 tanks, with the participation of the leading developers of tank upgrade packages. Ukraine, South Africa and Russia responded to the tender by each proposing their own modernization package. Each proposal was likely tested in adverse weather conditions in snowy, forested and desert environments.

The eventual modernisation of the T-72 with any of those upgrade packages was to be carried out at the BCL. The BCL (Base Centrale Logistique) was a factory in Blida that had been founded in 1975. It specializes in manufacturing spare parts, vehicles and vehicle renovations and modernizations for the Algerian Army, employing more than 2400 people as of 2020.


The T-72 172M2A modernization proposed by Russia in Algerian service. This was the winner of the trials.
Source:
Imgur:
The South African proposal by ATE/IST: T-72 FDS/MI
A common misconception with the South African T-72 FDS/MI proposal (from here on called T-72 FDS for brevity) is that it was the same with another RSA modernisation program, known as the Tiger. The Tiger modernisation program found its roots 16 years before the Algerian program and for entirely different reasons.

During 1990, South Africa acquired two T-72M1s from Poland to be used in Operation Carbenet. These were evaluation trials which took place between 5 March and 18 May 1990. South Africa acquired the T-72s in order to learn its strengths and weaknesses and how it compared to the South African army’s tanks and armored cars at the time.


Brochure page of the GS72 gunner’s sight featuring the Tiger modernisation.
Source:
Imgur:

Once the trials were completed, three South African defense firms (LIW, Kentron, Eleptro) of the Denel group set out to develop a weapon system upgrade package for the T-72. The upgrade was unveiled in 1993 under the name Tiger and included a fully digital day/night fire control system, new commander’s cupola, new 125 mm barrel and thermal shroud and a new explosion suppression system. The most notable additions to the T-72 were the Tiger GS65 panoramic sight and the Tiger GS72 gunner sight. The Tiger sights feature fully integrated digital day/night systems with full hunter-killer capabilities, integrated thermal imager, digital fire control computers and other optional features. In the end, the Tiger T-72 modernisation never saw any export success.


Brochure page of the Tiger modernisation on the CS65 commander’s sight.
Source:
Imgur:

Later on, ATE was contracted by the Algerian Army to develop an upgrade package for both the BMP-1 Infantry Fighting Vehicle and T-72 Main Battle Tank. ATE partnered with IST (now BAE Land Systems) for this development. A joint development team was set up in RSA (Republic of South Africa) with representatives of the Algerian Army, IST and ATE to design the upgrades. After initial development and testing in RSA, the modifications were implemented on the Algerian Army T-72 demonstrators in the Base Centrale Logistique and handed over for operational evaluation in 2006.


T-72 FDS during trials.
Source:
Imgur:

The new upgrade was called the T-72 FDS and was easily recognizable due to the huge panoramic cameras installed on the turret. It was equipped with completely new gunner-operator and commander sights that were stabilized on 2 axes. The new equipment featured: daytime television and nighttime thermal imaging (of what was certainly a2nd generation system) with surveillance modes, laser rangefinders for both gunner and commander, various sensors, a ballistic computer and automatic target tracking. It is important to note that the sights were placed on two-axis rotating mounts, which allowed the sights to move independently from each other and enabling the tank to operate in hunter-killer mode.


T-72 FDS during trials, note the sights placed on the rotating mounts.
Source:
Imgur:

The sights consist of CCD cameras with thermal imaging mode directly attached to screen displays in the crew compartment. This was done through simple cables which would have made the upgrade process fairly easy. These were not classic day/night sights with their own channels, like on the T-72B3.

A GPS and a weather station were also available in the upgrade package, with the latter being assuredly equipped on the test vehicle. However, the level of protection, firepower and mobility remained the same. The upgrade package was trialed but never adopted by the Algerian Military.



View of the gunner’s control panel in the T-72 FDS.

View of the gunner’s CCD camera in thermal imaging mode.

T-72 FDS firing during a demonstration video.

T-72 FDS after the Algerian trials
At the 2006 African Aerospace and Defence expo (AAD) held at AFB Ysterplaat, ATE and IST would unveil a modified Polish T-72 (1 of the only 2 imported) to the public for the first time. The tank had the same FCS as on the Algerian prototype and with the cameras still painted in Algerian camouflage. Sadly, the attempt to market the project to other countries failed due to limited interest for the upgrade. As a result, the project was scrapped.


This led to the modified T-72 being donated to the South African Armour Museum in Bloemfontein (with repainted cameras), where it is still on display and occasionally drives around on museum open days (video link below)
Pics of the upgrade:

T-72 FDS during Exposition Day at the Bloemfontein Museum.





The Ukrainian T-72AG
The T-72AG tank was developed and marketed by the Ukrainian Company KMDB as an upgrade package for the T-72M Tank series (exported & licence built versions of the Russian T-72). The package was intended for operators with a limited budget while still allowing the upgrades to be carried out locally. The tanks were upgraded and trialed in Algeria but lost the bid and never ended up seeing export elsewhere either. While it was not selected, the test vehicle or atleast the turret was spotted during a BCL inspection years later, and may still be in service under unknown conditions.


T-72AG at the BCL.
Source:
Imgur:
The T-72AG, when compared to T-72M Tanks, had improved mobility thanks to the new engine, new and improved Fire Control System with night vision capability, and improved protection with the addition of Kontakt-5 ERA used in the T-80UD and the T-84 Main Battle Tank, giving the vehicle the distinct look of a T-80UD based vehicle.


T-72 AG turret in the background during a BCL inspection in the 2010’s.
Source:
Imgur:

The T-72AG tank had the original engine, with its suboptimal performance in hot conditions, replaced by a new 6TD-series diesel engine with associated support elements that had been developed for T-80UD/Oplot MBTs. Two different diesel engine options were available: the 6TD-1 developing 1,000 hp and the 6TD-2 developing 1,200 hp. Both engines offered real advantages in performance in desert conditions at ambient temperatures of up to 55 degrees Celsius, due to a number of enhancements to improve its performance in such circumstances.

To enhance the T-72AG’s tactical mobility, the tank could be fitted with a satellite navigation system. The transmission installed in the tank provided increased reverse speed and pivoting movement (on-the-spot turning).

The T-72AG was shown for the first time at the IDEX ’97 exhibition in Abu Dhabi, United Arab Emirates in 1997. It has not attracted any orders on the international market.
Further specifications:
Main characteristics T-72 T-72AG
Weight (t) 41.5 45.5
Max road speed (km/h) on dry natural soil road (km/h) 60 65(75 with high-speed gear-box)
Average speed 32-38 40-45
Engine power output (hp) 780 1,000 (1,200 if 6TD-2 engine is installed)
Power-to-weight ratio (hp/t) 19 21.7 (26.08)
Specific fuel consumption (g/kW-h) 245 218
Periodicity of air cleaner cassette
maintenance under extreme dusty conditions (km) 300 1,000
Deep fording without preparation (m) 1.2 1.8
Commander’s sight
Type observation device
TKN-3 day/night sight TKN-4S
Target detection range (m)
by day 2,000 5,000
at night 400 700
Field-of-view stabilization no in one axis
Fire control override mode no yes
Gunner’s day sight
Type TPD-K1 1G46
Target detection range (m) 4,000 5,000
Field-of-view stabilization in one axis in two axes
Line-of-sight stabilization error (mrad) 0.5 0.2
Magnification 8 (fixed) 2.7 to 12 (zooming)
Gunner’s night sight
Type TPN-3 (passive/active) TPN-4 (passive)
or thermal imager
Target detection range (m) 400 (without illumination) 1,200 or
3,000
Effective firing range (m)
APFSDS 1,800 2,500
guided missile no 5,000
Tank ballistic computer no yes



T-72AG next to BMP-1UM in testing at the BCL.
)
T-72AG at the BCL factory






The Russian proposal: "Izdeliye 172M2A"
JSC (joint Stock Company) "Scientific and Production Corporation” "Uralvagonzavod" and JSC "UKBTM", under the management of JSC "Rosoboronexport", decided to participate in the tender held by the ANP. In 2006, in the shortest possible time, according to the documentation developed by UKBTM, a modernized T-72 variant, designated as Izdeliye 172M2A, was finalized and tested at the customer’s site (this article will refer to the vehicle as the T-72M2A for brevity and simplicity). Deputy Chief Designer A.L. Terlikov (team leader, now Chief Designer of UKBTM), A.Yu. Tushin, AMZaitsev and V.P. Dyukov from FSUE UKBTM, took part in the modernization of the tank and its testing.


A prototype of the upgraded T-72M1 tank - "Product T-72M2A", likely during trials.
Source:
Imgur:

The Russian proposal made a positive impression on the ANP, as a result of which, in May 2008, a contract was signed for the modernization of the Algerian T-72 tanks under the supervision of Russian engineers at the BCL. It is unclear when the modernization ended, but it was still going in 2014. It should be noted that the head of the department of export-import relations had an extensive role in the preparation of the contract. Additionally, there is no substantial evidence to back the rumors that the Algerian T-72s were supposedly overhauled to a T-90A like standard known as the T-72M1M. No such vehicle has ever been seen or mentioned in Algeria.



Russian specialist at the BCL factory in front of an upgraded turret of the "Product T-72M2A". It is clearly seen that the Sosna-U is installed as the main sight, which differs from the Essa by its large dimensions. (Also note the new "green" 2A46M-5 canon)
Source:
Imgur:
The close relationship between the Algerian and Russian militaries, with Algeria acquiring equipment sometimes ahead or at the same time as the RF, probably played a key role in the decision of the Algerian MOD to choose the Russian package. The logistics of the T-72M2A upgrade regarding for example spare parts was favorable to the Russian proposal, as the upgrade only uses T-90SA systems, which were already in service with Algeria.

Additionally, the possible high costs of the Ukrainian upgrade requiring a new engine, new Ukrainian FCS components, ERA mounts and Kontakt-5, and the low improvements brought by the RSA proposal, which only offered an FCS upgrade, likely ended up working in favor of the Russian proposal. 159 battlefront tanks and another 21 command tanks were modernized to the T-72 ‘’M2A’’ standard, totalling 180 modernized tanks.


A T-72 ‘’M2A’’ being upgraded at the BCL.
Source:
Imgur:

The Izdeliye T-72M2A tank (172M2A), upgraded for the armed forces of Algeria by Nizhny Tagil, differed from the basic T-72M1 product in a number of ways. The upgraded tank received the Sosna-U multi-channel sight with a Cathrine FC thermal camera, a TKN-4 commander's sight, an automatic target tracking system, digital corrective sensors and the DVE-BS weather sensor, air conditioning and a 6S21 RWS with a Kord HMG. In addition it also received new communication facilities, an optical-electronic suppression system for jamming comprised of 2x TShU-1-1 and 2x TShU-1-1 laser warning receivers, 12x 3D17 smoke grenade launchers along with the control panel, microprocessor, manual screen-laying panel for the Shtora-1 system and a new 2A46M-5 canon.


Algerian soldier on top of an upgraded T-72
Pic 4:

Upgraded T-72 "M2A" in maintenance at the BCL factory
Pic 5:

T-72 "M2A" at the BCLfactory


Pic 7:

Upgraded T-72 "M2A" operating in a military exercise






Pic 8:

Upgraded T-72 "M2A" during the 2022 military parade
Pic 9,10:

Upgraded T-72's "M2A" on station at a military base

The T-72 ‘’M2A’’ in service
The upgraded tanks currently serve in the 9th armored brigade of the 3rd military region and possibly other independent armored battalions and battalions that are part of the 8th armored division mainly operating t90sa's of the 2nd military region. Stock t-72 m's are still in service with the 41st armored brigade of the 4th military region near Libya where the tank is still dominant compared to Libyan equipment.


Upgraded t-72 "M2A" during a visit of the 9th armored brigade (this is the only tank class in use with the brigade)
Source:
Imgur:

All of the upgraded T-72's appear to be T-72m1s. The Moroccan M1A1s and M1A2s are stationed up north where they would likely have to face the more capable t90SA's instead.

The positioning of the upgraded tanks with the 9th armored brigade of the 3rd military region in Tindouf, right next to the Moroccan and West Saharan borders, support this way of thinking.

Additionally, upgrade systems for the Algerian BMP-1 and 2 were also tested in parallel to the T-72 tender. With Ukraine proposing the BMP-UM upgrade, RSA putting forward an indigenous turret armed with 3 INGWE ATGMs and Russia offering the Berezhok turret. Russia managed to secure the contract for the BMP tender as well.

Conclusion
This bid for the upgrade of the Algerian land forces T-72’s likely came as a result of a need for more modern tanks to complement the T90SA against the Royal Moroccan army in a cost effective way and is set to continue serving that purpose for many decades to come.


Sources:
https://rg.ru/2019/10/16/pochemu-alzhir ... nce#bounce
https://en.topwar.ru/41358-blagodarya-r ... -mire.html
https://www.forcesdz.com/viewtopic.php?t=103
https://sputniknews.lat/20130221/156463896.html
https://arabic.rt.com/technology/111582 ... %8A%D8%A9/

https://vpk.name/en/513413_a-friend-amo ... frica.html
https://defense-arab.com/vb/threads/38691/

https://www.algerie-eco.com/2019/10/17/ ... type-t-72/
https://rg.ru/2021/05/28/modernizirovan ... zhire.html
http://yazid-armored-vehicles.blogspot. ... 1m-dz.html
http://gurkhan.blogspot.com/2018/01/blo ... 8.html?m=1
https://mr.ww2facts.net/20471-nizhny-ta ... in-al.html
https://www.saarmourmuseum.com/t-72-mi- ... ank-poland
https://www.google.com/url?sa=t&source= ... Vaw3qQemdW Pri6G5Vtvik44Ht

[AMA/DZ]

Superbe capsule merci

[Capsule Djazairïa]

note improtante seul le t72 m1m\izdelye m2a est en service le reste des images montrant le t72 ag et le t72 sud africain ne sont que des protoypes

[HADDAD]

625850524_26479605661624043_3294005198851978998_n.jpg

[AAF 2020]

136360333_1653573218167640_9040704871381374665_n.jpg

[AAF 2020]

137514019_851229972344211_2025963241982634414_n (1).jpg

[AAF 2020]

540004743_2208035640014389_6327635394667071270_n.jpg

[HADDAD]

1775669419531.jpg

[HADDAD]

T-72 08-04-2026 In guezzam 1.jpg

T-72 08-04-2026 In guezzam 0.jpg

T-72 08-04-2026 In guezzam 2.jpg

[KHAYBAR]

IMG_6747.jpeg

[HADDAD]

vlcsnap-2026-04-08-19h45m22s966.png

vlcsnap-2026-04-08-19h45m15s385.png

vlcsnap-2026-04-08-19h41m57s928.png

vlcsnap-2026-04-08-19h41m55s774.png

vlcsnap-2026-04-08-19h40m18s806.png

[AAF 2020]

472754042_451857524647857_4789235760167131049_n.jpg

[AAF 2020]

481242977_649573357766948_7916637237411712307_n.jpg

[Sheev]

https://www.facebook.com/share/v/1Dd4KkAZbj/

[AAF 2020]

496165789_659314900224994_2327837706104154123_n.jpg