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Syrian T-34-85 Model 1953
The Syrian T-34-85 Model 1953 is a distinctive post-war iteration of the legendary Soviet medium tank, produced under license by Czechoslovakia. Based on late-war Soviet designs, the Czechoslovak-built Model 1953 incorporated refinements such as the V-2-34M engine, electric turret traverse, smoke canisters, and other enhancements. Syria acquired a number of these tanks during the 1950s.
What truly sets the Syrian variant apart is its distinctive anti-aircraft configuration: a large, purpose-built, Czech-fabricated 12.7 mm heavy machine gun mount integrated directly onto the commander’s cupola. The design features an elevated, rotating mount unique to Syrian service, representing a more deliberate and refined adaptation than alternative AA setups seen elsewhere. This specific modification, absent even among Syria’s closest allies, makes the Syrian T-34-85 Model 1953 a standout both visually and historically.
Short History of the T-34
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The development of the T-34 began in the late 1930s, as the Soviet Union sought a modern, well-armored, and highly mobile tank to replace its outdated fleet of light and fast cavalry tanks. Drawing on experience from the BT series, particularly the BT-7M, which tested both sloped armor and a diesel engine, the Soviets advanced through a series of prototypes: the A-20, a lightly armored 4-roadwheel vehicle; the A-32, which introduced 5 road wheels, thicker armor, and a 76.2 mm gun; and finally the A-34, which successfully passed trials in 1939 and was accepted for production as the T-34 Model 1940.
The T-34 saw rapid evolution throughout World War II, with continuous upgrades in protection, firepower, and crew efficiency. This culminated in the introduction of the T-34-85 in 1944, which featured a new three-man turret with an 85 mm ZiS-S-53 gun, offering vastly improved firepower against German heavy tanks. After the war, the platform remained in widespread use and received additional refinements to improve combat performance. The Model 1945 introduced an electric turret traverse motor, an enlarged commander’s cupola with a one-piece hatch, squared-off front fenders, and the TDP smoke system, which deployed electrically detonated MDSh canisters mounted at the rear. The Model 1946 followed with a more powerful V-2-34M diesel engine, T-54-style pressed-steel road wheels, and other mechanical improvements.
Clarification
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Czechoslovakia, received its technical documentation from Soviet Factory No. 183 in the late 1940s and began licensed production of the T-34-85 in the early 1950s. As a result, Czechoslovak production variant T-34-85 Model 1953 most likely represented a refined culmination of the 1945 and 1946 Soviet variants, incorporating the V-2-34M engine, electric turret traverse, updated commander’s cupola design, and smoke canisters among others.
Subsequently, Syria acquired Czechoslovak-built T-34-85 (1953)s, which would go on to serve extensively in its armored forces. Among all operators of Czechoslovak T-34-85s, Syria implemented the most visible modification. The addition of a large DShK 12.7 mm anti-aircraft mount installed on the commander’s cupola. Although it is not the only T-34-85 variant to be fitted with a DShK heavy machine gun, the Syrian turret configuration stands out as arguably the most sophisticated and distinctive. Its purpose-built, elevated mount integrated into the commander’s cupola reflects a more deliberate and refined adaptation compared to the more improvised or basic AA mounts seen on other variants. This specific DShK anti-aircraft mount has not been observed outside of Syrian service, not even among Syria’s close allies such as Egypt. As a result, this suggestion will primarily focus on the Syrian variant of the T-34-85, where this unique setup saw widespread use. However, it’s equally important to acknowledge the tank’s Czechoslovak origins, as the core design, production, and AA mount itself were developed there.
History with Czechoslovakia
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Notice the Czechoslovak headlight design covered with a protective cage. Some came with Notek headlights.
After World War II, Czechoslovakia prioritized rebuilding its military and adopted the T-34-85 as the backbone of its armored forces. Initially, the country received T-34-85s from the Soviet Union, with the first units arriving in early 1945 to equip the Czechoslovak Army Corps. These tanks participated in the liberation of Prague and became central to the post-war Czechoslovak Army. Recognizing the need for self-reliance and modernization, Czechoslovakia secured a license in July 1949 to domestically produce the T-34-85. This decision was influenced by the tank’s proven design, the military’s familiarity with it, and the urgency to strengthen armored capabilities. Production preparations began in January 1950 at the ČKD Sokolovo factory in Prague, with technical documentation provided by Soviet Factory No. 183 in Nizhniy Tagil.
The first Czechoslovak-built T-34-85 was completed on September 1, 1951, and mass production commenced in February 1952. By May 1952, production also started at the Závody J. V. Stalina (ZJVS) factory in Martin, Slovakia. These domestically produced tanks featured minor differences from their Soviet counterparts, reflecting incremental design improvements made after 1946. By the end of production in 1956, Czechoslovakia had manufactured approximately 2,736 T-34-85 tanks. These tanks served as the core of the Czechoslovak People’s Army (ČSLA) during the early Cold War and were gradually transitioned to reserve roles by the late 1970s as more advanced tanks like the T-54/55 series entered service. Additionally, Czechoslovakia became a significant exporter of the T-34-85, supplying these tanks to various allied nations and liberation movements, including Romania, Bulgaria, India, Iraq, Cuba, Egypt, Lebanon, Yemen and Syria, thereby extending their operational footprint globally. The T-34-85 not only solidified Czechoslovakia’s armored strength but also contributed significantly to its defense industry and international military collaborations.
History with Syria
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Syria was the second largest buyer of Czechoslovak T-34-85s behind Egypt. Syria acquired around 120 of these tanks during the 1950s and 1960s as part of its rapid military expansion amid growing Arab-Soviet cooperation. The famous anti-aircraft (AA) gun mounts equipped on Syrian T-34-85 tanks were of Czechoslovak origin. Czechoslovakia developed an adapter kit, specifically for Syria, that allowed the installation of the Soviet-made DShK 12.7mm machine gun onto the T-34-85’s commander’s cupola. Notably, Czechoslovakia also supplied these adapter kits for other Syrian tanks, such as the Panzer IVs.
In Syria, the T-34-85 quickly became a core element of the Syrian Arab Army’s armored forces. These tanks formed the backbone of Syria’s armored regiments during a highly volatile period in the Middle East, where regional tensions frequently escalated into open warfare. Syria deployed its T-34-85s in both offensive thrusts and defensive operations, notably during the Six-Day War in 1967, where they were part of the Syrian armored formations positioned on the Golan Heights, and again during the Yom Kippur War in 1973.
Though technologically outclassed by Israeli Centurions, Super Shermans, and M48 Pattons, the Syrian T-34-85s were still deployed in significant numbers. Their continued use was due in part to their simplicity, ease of maintenance, and the vast availability of spare parts. Despite their obsolescence, Syrian T-34-85s played a meaningful role in the early stages of both wars, often being used to hold ground, engage lighter vehicles, or support infantry advances, roles where their firepower and ruggedness could still make an impact. Their persistence on the battlefield well into the 1970s highlights how older, robust designs like the T-34-85 were adapted to modern conflicts in the developing world. Despite their age and limitations, these tanks remained in operational or reserve roles for decades, with some continuing to appear in military parades and propaganda films.
Czechoslovak-exported Syrian T-34-85 (1953) restored and resprayed with Russian markings for a military parade in Syria. This example features a wooden splash guard and what appears to be a Soviet blackout projector, which is different to the standard Czechoslovak design. This tanks was most likely sourced from Syrian Arab Army stocks and restored by Russians. Image provided for demonstration purposes only.
Distinguishing Features
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These Czechoslovak-exported Syrian T-34-85s featured a number of distinctive characteristics that set them apart from their Soviet-built counterparts, beyond the iconic DShK anti-aircraft turret mount. One of the most noticeable differences was the headlight configuration: typically, a single headlight was mounted on the left side of the hull, enclosed in a protective cage guard. While some Czechoslovak variants featured dual headlights mounted in a protective cage to the left of the driver’s hatch, only the single-headlight configuration has been confirmed in Syrian use through photographic evidence, if any. Another hallmark of Czechoslovak production was the smooth turret finish, a result of improved post-war casting techniques and machining quality, giving these tanks a more refined and cleaner appearance than of their Soviet equivalents. On the rear hull, Syrian examples also included modified exhaust covers, which had a scalloped or slotted appearance, and a field telephone port fitted on the left side, enabling direct communication between infantry and tank crews. It also featured several additional minor differences, as seen in the image below.
However, other features of these Syrian T-34-85s were also commonly seen on other modified T-34-85s of the era. One such feature was the installation of rear-mounted MDSh smoke canisters, electrically detonated from within the tank, an upgrade designed to improve battlefield survivability by enabling quick concealment. At the front, many of these tanks were equipped with a wooden splash guard mounted below the driver’s hatch, designed to deflect water and mud spray when moving through rough or wet terrain. However, some Syrian-operated T-34-85s appear to have lacked this feature. The tank also featured a modified commander’s hatch, a notable improvement over earlier wartime designs. This hatch was a single-piece, forward-opening design equipped with five vision ports, offering the commander significantly enhanced situational awareness. Beyond just visibility, the hatch provided quicker entry and exit, which was crucial in combat emergencies. Its structure also offered better frontal protection while on the move, allowing the commander to observe the battlefield with greater safety during marches or early engagements.
The road wheels on Czechoslovak-produced T-34-85s varied depending on the production batch and later modernization efforts. Tanks were typically fitted with either the standard “solid-dish” wartime-style wheels, the post-war “spider” wheels resembling those found on the T-54, or sometimes a combination of both. However, Czechoslovak-exported Syrian T-34-85s appear to have been equipped exclusively with solid-dish wheels, based on photographic evidence. Additionally, these tanks featured squared-off front fenders, a post-war modification common to later production models, contributing to their more angular and refined visual profile.
Implementation
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In War Thunder, this variant of the T-34-85 would stand out thanks to its combination of post-war upgrades, including the more powerful V-2-34M diesel engine, electric turret traverse, and rear-mounted smoke canisters. The tank could also be equipped with HEAT ammunition that was historically available to Cold War-era T-34-85s. These shells significantly increased the vehicle’s lethality, offering consistent penetration regardless of range, a major upgrade over the WWII-era AP rounds. And it would, of course, feature the unique DShK heavy machine gun mount on the commander’s hatch.
The most suitable way to introduce this tank into War Thunder would be as a premium, event, or squadron vehicle. Given that the USSR tech tree already features both Syrian and Czechoslovak-origin vehicles, it would be most appropriate to add this variant in distinctive Syrian markings. Notably, the historically accurate community-made “Kamil Mustafa” skin already exists in the game. This would ensure that the unique turret-mounted DShK is properly represented.
Disclaimer: All aspects of this suggestion are ultimately up to Gaijin’s discretion to decide and implement. This includes the vehicle’s battle rating (BR) , available ammunition types , visual features, and nation (tree) of this model.
Specifications
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T-34-85 (1953, Czechoslovak Production) – Specifications
| Category | Specification |
|---|---|
| Designation | T-34-85 (1953, ČKD/ZJVS production) |
| Origin | Czechoslovakia (licensed Soviet design) |
| Crew | 5 (Commander, Gunner, Loader, Driver, Radio Operator/Bow MG) |
| Combat Weight | ~32 metric tons |
Dimensions
- Length (with gun forward): ~8.15 m
- Hull Length: ~6.68 m
- Width: 3.00 m
- Height: 2.45 m
Mobility
| Engine | V-2-34M 12-cylinder V-type diesel (improved post-war version) |
|---|---|
| Horsepower | ~500 hp at 1,800 rpm |
| Top Speed (Road): | ~55-61km/h |
| Operational Range: | ~350 km |
| Transmission: | 5-speed manual |
| Suspension: | Christie |
Armament
| Main Gun | 85 mm ZiS-S-53 (L/54.6) |
|---|---|
| Ammo Types: | AP (BR-365), APBC (BR-365K), APCR (BR-367P), HE, possibly HEAT |
| Ammo Capacity: | ~55 rounds |
| Coaxial MG: | 7.62 mm DT |
| Hull MG: | 7.62 mm DT |
| Anti-Aircraft MG (Export/Modified Units): | 12.7 mm DShK heavy machine gun on Czechoslovak AA mount |
Armor Protection
| Hull Front (Upper Glacis): | 45 mm @ 60° (~90 mm effective) |
|---|---|
| Turret Front: | 75–90 mm (cast) |
| Hull Sides: | 45 mm (vertical) |
| Turret Sides: | 75 mm |
| Rear Armor: | 40–52 mm |
| Roof/Floor: | 20 mm / 15–20 mm |
Community Skins:
Supporting Gallery
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Czechoslovak-built T-34-85 in Egyptian service, note the left-mounted headlight with protective cage, the squared-off front mudguards, and the wooden splash guard positioned below the driver’s hatch, all characteristic features of post-war Czech production. The tank is also fitted with an enlarged commander’s cupola and displays a smooth, high-quality turret finish, indicative of Czechoslovakia’s refined manufacturing standards. However, this particular vehicle lacks a DShK anti-aircraft machine gun. Image provided for demonstration purposes only.
Egyptians did have their own version of the DShK mount on the commander’s cupola, however it was not as impressive nor prominent. Image provided for demonstration purposes only.
A Syrian Panzer IV Ausf. G (Syrian Panzer IV Ausf. G (Breda-SAFAT): Germans in the Golan Part 2) equipped with the Czechoslovak-designed anti-aircraft mount can be seen alongside a Syrian T-34-85 that lacks the feature. It’s important to note that not all Syrian-operated Panzers or T-34-85s were fitted with these AA mounts. Image provided for demonstration purposes only.
Potential historically accurate markings for the Syrian T-34-85 (1953) include a variety of unit and national insignia used by the Syrian Arab Army during the 1950s–1970s. Among the most recognizable is the community-created, historically grounded “Kamil Mustafa” skin, which has already been implemented in War Thunder.
This is the most detailed close-up available of the DShK turret mount, clearly showcasing the unique Czechoslovak-designed AA installation.
Sources:
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Panzers in the Golan Heights – wwiiafterwwii
https://www.tankarchives.ca/2016/09/czech-from-russia.html?m=1
https://prussia.online/Data/Book/t-/t-34-85-medium-tank-1944-94/Osprey%20NV%20020%20-%20[20c]%20-%20T-34-85%20Medium%20Tank%201944-94.pdf?utm_source
Russian HEAT shells (of interest for the game), a full (ish) list. - General & Upcoming - War Thunder - Official Forum
Identifying Variants of the T-34/85
T-34 - Wikipedia
T-34 variants - Wikipedia