(VIDEO) PT-91 “Twardy” Main Battle Tanks in Action in Ukraine

(DEFENCE SECURITY ASIA) –The recent emergence of a social media video featuring the deployment of a PT-91 “Twardy” main battle tank by Ukraine amidst the prolonged conflict with Russian forces, now entering its second year, has elicited considerable attention within the sphere of international security.

However, the video did not disclose the specific location in Ukraine where the PT-91 “Twardy” tank, provided by Poland, is in operation.

As we are aware, the PT-91 “Twardy” main battle tank manufactured by Poland is a variant similar to the PT-91M “Pendekar” main battle tank used by the Malaysian Army. However, Malaysia has upgraded it with several components that are significantly superior compared to those possessed by Poland.

Malaysia acquired 48 PT-91 “Twardy” main battle tanks from the Polish company Bumar Labedy in 2003, with deliveries starting in 2007.

The Malaysian Army later named the Polish-made main battle tanks as “Pendekar”. The PT-91 “Twardy” is an upgraded version of the T-72M tank.

In September, international defense-related social media provided images of the destruction of a PT-91 “Twardy” tank supplied to Ukraine by Poland to counteract Russian military incursions.

Images depicted the PT-91 “Twardy” tank, possibly set ablaze following engagement with Russian forces.

However, these images of the destroyed PT-91 “Twardy” tank do not provide detailed information on when the incident occurred or its specific location, but it is believed to have taken place during Ukraine’s counteroffensive in the Zaphorizia region in southern Ukraine during spring.

This incident marks the second instance of a PT-91 “Twardy” tank used by the Ukrainian military being destroyed, following media coverage in July that showed the destruction of a Polish PT-91 tank.

 According to the social media account, the tank was allegedly destroyed by Russian forces in July, along with T-72EA tanks and M113 armored personnel carriers provided by the United States.

Weighing 46 tons, the PT-91 “Twardy” is an upgraded variant of the T-72 tank, enhanced with Western components and technologies, making it more capable than the original T-72.

Poland initially licensed-produced T-72 tanks during the Cold War but sought alternatives in the mid-1980s, with financial constraints led to the decision to upgrade their existing T-72 tanks to the PT-91 “Twardy” variant.

Post-upgrade, the PT-91 features reactive armor plating, a more powerful engine, an improved fire control system, a new loading mechanism, and various enhancements that elevate its performance to a new level.

The tank is equipped with a 125mm smoothbore gun, allowing Ukraine to use the same ammunition as its T-72 tanks.

It is reported that the Polish military possesses up to 232 PT-91 “Twardy” tanks.

Poland, as a staunch supporter of Ukraine, has contributed various weaponry to aid its neighbor in addressing the Russian incursion.

Since the onset of the conflict between Russia and Ukraine in February of the previous year, Poland has continuously supplied arms to Kiev, including main battle tanks.

In a January interview with Canadian media, Polish Prime Minister Mateusz Morawiecki affirmed Poland’s readiness to transfer dozens of its upgraded PT-91 “Twardy” tanks to Ukraine.

 “Poland is the first country to send 250 tanks to Ukraine. This time we are ready to send 60 upgraded PT-91 tanks and 14 Leopard 2 tanks,” he stated to the Canadian media. — DSA