Historical Note

The T-72B3 is a Russian third-generation main battle tank of the T-72 family. This variant was developed as a cost-effective alternative to the T-90A, intended to fill the gap until the new-generation T-14 Armata entered service.

In 2016, the tank was upgraded to the T-72B3M standard, receiving a new engine, a thermal imaging sight for the gunner, and Relikt explosive reactive armor. The tank is in service with Russia, Syria, and Belarus.

T-72B3 (Rank XII)

Brief Overview

• Strengths: High protection, Relikt explosive reactive armor, autoloader, and effective armor-piercing rounds.
• Weaknesses: Low reverse speed and vulnerable side profile.
• Role in battle: One of the most advanced members of the T-72 family: a modern MBT combining good protection with powerful ammunition.

In Battle

The T-72B3 is one of the most modern T-72 variants. The UBH modernization program (the Russian abbreviation for "improved battle characteristics") brings the vehicle closer to the most advanced MBTs in the game. Let's take a closer look.

Let's start with protection. The already solid armor of the T-72 family has been reinforced with Relikt ERA blocks, which increase resistance to tandem ATGMs and add some durability against kinetic rounds. The tank is better protected than ever, but commanders should remember the autoloader carousel: a side penetration often detonates it. Do not expose your side.

The ammunition loadout offers a good selection of shells for every occasion, including guided missiles launched directly from the gun barrel. The primary round against enemy tanks is the 3BM60 APFSDS, one of the best Russian armor-piercing rounds.

The UBH package also includes a new engine. The T-72B3 is noticeably more dynamic than earlier T-72 variants, but the series' main weakness remains: reverse speed is very slow, so unlike Western tanks, you cannot quickly roll back behind cover after firing.

Overall, the T-72B3 is an excellent and fully versatile MBT. Once you learn its quirks, namely slow reverse speed and limited gun depression, you can adapt to them quickly, and they will not seriously affect its effectiveness. The tank is at its best in aggressive close-range urban combat, and with reinforced protection it now feels even more confident.

Premium version of the T-72B3 (Rank XII)

The Premium variant is an extra tank for your hangar! The premium tank maintains the same performance as the standard variant, though it comes in a unique camouflage. With this premium tank you’ll be able to enjoy faster Silver Lion and Research Point gains, and earn some Golden Eagles in your battles.

* The characteristics apply to a fully upgraded vehicle with a level 100 crew.

If you’re lucky enough to unlock both the premium and the standard variants, you will be able to use them both in the same battle!

* Vehicle specifications and camouflages are still a work in progress and may change upon release.

T-72B3 (Rank XII) will appear in War Thunder Mobile (WTM) in the "Polar Conquest" seasonal update.