Elbit T-72A Aslan (2024) - Roaring Lion

Surbaissemaxxing · February 5, 2025, 2:35pm

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Suggestion No.51

G’day lads. I want to suggest a proposed Israeli modified T-72A for Azerbaijan’s aging T-72 tank fleet, which would be the upgraded Elbit T-72A Aslan (meaning Lion) :)

(Note, this is the one shown in 2024 by Elbit, which was modified by themselves. There are older Aslan variants which Azerbaijan operates, but they don’t operate the 2024 version)

Description:

Spoiler

The Elbit T-72A Aslan was first showcased at the ADEX 2024 defense exhibition in Baku, Azerbaijan. This upgraded version incorporates advanced tech from Elbit Systems, an Israeli defense contractor. Key upgrades of the modified T-72A Aslan include enhanced firepower (being able to use Israeli made 125mm shells) with a modern sighting system and a cutting-edge fire control system developed by Elbit Systems, resulting in improved accuracy and targeting efficiency. The tank also features enhanced protection with Kontakt-5 ERA, providing better protection against chemical munitions and kinetic projectiles. Additionally, it retains some elements of the older Kontakt-1 ERA for modularity and ease of repair. The upper parts of the tank are shielded by anti-cumulative screens and a protective lattice structure designed to guard against drone strikes and explosives. The improved crew interaction is facilitated by the new fire control system, which integrates day, night, and laser channels, optimizing crew interaction through a modern human-machine interface.

History:

Spoiler

After the collapse of the Soviet Union in 1991, Azerbaijan inherited a substantial number of T-72 tanks from the Soviet military. These tanks were initially maintained and repaired to ensure operational readiness. However, the First Nagorno-Karabakh War (1988-1994) already started to show problems with their T-72’s, prompting Azerbaijan to explore upgrades to enhance the capabilities of its T-72 fleet.

After realizing their losses, Azerbaijan decided to contact Elbit to upgrade their T-72’s in 2013. Elbit upgraded them with thermal sights, GPS and other needed things. These were designated T-72A Aslan, and were also used during the 2020 Nagorno-Karabakh war.

In the years following the war, Azerbaijan continued to invest in its armored forces, focusing on maintaining and upgrading its T-72 tanks even more. They decided to contact Elbit again. In ADEX 2024, Elbit showcased the T-72A Aslan with additional upgrades, which included advanced sighting systems, improved fire control systems, and enhanced armor protection with Kontakt-5 reactive armor modules.

Armaments:

Spoiler

2A46M 125mm cannon

1 12.7mm NSVT machine gun

1 7.62mm PKT machine gun

The 2A46M 125mm cannon capable of shooting:

M711 (MK1)

M711MK1

M711MK1PERFORMANCE

M711/8 (MK2)

M711/8MK2

M710

M710

M710/1

M710/1

M710/2

M710/2

And all Soviet rounds the basic T-72A could carry!

Specifications:

Spoiler

The Aslan has a length of 9.53m (gun facing forward, or just 6.86m for its hull only), a width of 3.60m and lastly it still keeps the height of 2.19m. It still keeps the ChTZ V-46-6 engine, giving it 780hp, as well as it’s older transmission, making it go around 60km/h. As for weight, it should be around 43 tons, as it uses the T-72A base, but also has K1 and K5 ERA for additional armour. This weight can be increased further by adding a cope cage.