Ukrainian forces capture Russian T‑72B3 tank in strategic win
In the Kurakhove region, a Ukrainian brigade captured a Russian T-72B3 tank. This article highlights the capabilities of this equipment and explains why its loss is significant for the Russians.
The war in eastern Ukraine continues, with battles constantly shifting to new territories. Both sides use various types of weaponry and often capture equipment from the opposing side on the battlefield. Capturing enemy equipment has become common, especially during intense fighting. In October, Mateusz Tomczak, a journalist from Wirtualna Polska, reported that a Ukrainian brigade managed to capture a rare Russian T-90S tank. This is one of several recent achievements by Ukrainian forces.
Ukrainians captured a T‑72B3 tank
The 35th Independent Marine Brigade recently captured a Russian T-72B3 tank in the Kurakhove region. According to Militarnyi service sources, the vehicle was seized during an assault when the crew was eliminated using FPV drones. The logistics battalion then arranged for the tank's evacuation from the battlefield.
A soldier involved in the capture announced that the tank "will be restored and then used by a Ukrainian crew against the occupiers."
The captured T-72B3 tank is featured in the video material.
Why is this such an important capture?
Capturing tanks on the battlefield is a common occurrence, and Ukrainian forces have frequently seized Russian T‑72B3s. Przemysław Juraszek, a journalist from Wirtualna Polska, described the capabilities of the T-72B3.
The T-72B3 is an economical upgrade of the T-72B tanks, introduced into service in 2011. The vehicle is equipped with advanced observation systems. Initially, it featured French thermal cameras Catherine-FC, which were later replaced with the 1PN-96MT-02 thermal sight. The new version is also compatible with more modern anti-tank ammunition from the Świeniec family, which has a longer penetrator.
The modernized version features reinforced armor and increased resistance to attacks. Ukrainian sources note that the captured unit was equipped with additional protective measures.
The T-72B3 tank is a critical component of the Russian armed forces' arsenal, playing a key role in armored offensives. Upgrades allow it to perform better in the dynamic conditions of contemporary military conflicts. According to the report "The Military Balance 2021," the Russians had 1,150 units of T-72B3s in 2021, but their production has been accelerated in wartime conditions. Militarnyi service indicates that the Russians can currently produce about 30 T-72B3 tanks per month.
