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T-84 Super Oplot-TH - The ASEAN Stronghold made in Thailand…can we still get it ?
Hi and welcome to my 92nd suggestion, which is about the T-84 Super Oplot-TH, hope you like it. 
And yes, the Cover picture is a render I’ve created with Blender, the Models also exist :D
and sorry for the quality of some of the pictures, the Forum unfortuntely down scales 4K to FHD
and sorry for the quality of some of the pictures, the Forum unfortuntely down scales 4K to FHD
Background History
The post T-80 tank era witnessed a drive toward diesel alternatives due to the evident shortcomings of gas-turbine engines. Initiating various projects in the mid 1970s, Leningrad Kirov Plant (LKZ) and Omsk Transport Engineering Design Bureau explored diesel options like the Obj. 219RD and the Obj. 644, respectively. However, focus remained on the gas-turbine engine, supported by Defence Minister Dmitry Ustinov. Simultaneously, Kharkiv Morozov Machine Building Design Bureau (KMDB) started work on the Obj. 278, with an 6TD 1000hp diesel engine. Yet, it was overshadowed by the more advanced Obj. 476 and later the Obj. 478M, equipped with more advanced systems but abandoned due to cost concerns. Post Ustinov’s demise in 1984, the Ministry of Defense turned serious about diesel equipped T-80s. In 1985, the government approved the diesel powered T-80U project, resulting in prototypes like the Obj. 478B and Obj. 478A. Despite initial issues, the Obj. 478B variant entered service known as T-80UD in 1987; later showcased in the 1990s Moscow Victory Day Parade and the 1991 Soviet coup attempt.
KMDB’s initiatives led to developments like the T-84 Oplot, featuring a welded turret and advancements like the Obj. 478D with Aynet fire control system.
The Obj. 478DU4 gave rise to the T-84 Oplot, which had the 125 mm caliber gun replaced with a 120 mm able to fire NATO ammunition. Trials and prototypes like the T-84-120 (Yatagan) for Turkey showed their efforts to adapt to NATO ammunition and electronics. Before the USSR’s dissolution, the Kharkiv factory continued its T-64 platform’s development, eventually producing the T-80UD with an opposed piston diesel engine, which later evolved into the T-84. Over the 1990s, further enhancements led to the famously known BM Oplot, with a ton of modernizations, including western derived technologies, solidifying its position as a formidable modernized soviet style tank.
The Royal Thai Army’s 2011 order for 49 Oplot-T tanks faced delivery delays, leading to reports of a potential shift to the Chinese VT-4 tank by 2017. However, Ukroboronprom confirmed the successful completion of the 2011 contract by March 2018, finishing the delivery of the final batch to Thailand.
After more than 15 years in service and numerous missions, it was decided in 2028 that new battle tanks had to be purchased - ideally from Western or domestic production. Several ASEAN countries presented their concepts for new models, but ultimately none of the proposals were convincing. Either the offers were too expensive or did not meet the requirements: easy maintenance, modern sensors, greater firepower than the previous VT-4 and T-84, and a hard-kill APS system. In spring 2029, a comprehensive modernization program for a new variant of the T-84 was launched. This initially received financial support for the construction of a prototype and a promising prospect for series production. In April 2030, the first prototype of the T-84TH was presented and handed over to the Royal Thai Army for testing. After extensive testing, the army decided to officially purchase around 161 new T-84 Oplot-TH and modernize 39 existing T-84 BM Oplot-T. Parallel to the new MBT, the development and production of a new 125mm ammunition was approved and thus the first domestic APFSDS, THAP-1, was commissioned. The first delivery took place in 2032. Shortly after the entry into service, other ASEAN countries also expressed interest: Indonesia, Vietnam and Malaysia placed orders for 120 Oplot-TN, 70 Oplot-TV and 90 Oplot-TM units respectively. The purchases were approved and deliveries began in 2034.
KMDB’s initiatives led to developments like the T-84 Oplot, featuring a welded turret and advancements like the Obj. 478D with Aynet fire control system.
The Obj. 478DU4 gave rise to the T-84 Oplot, which had the 125 mm caliber gun replaced with a 120 mm able to fire NATO ammunition. Trials and prototypes like the T-84-120 (Yatagan) for Turkey showed their efforts to adapt to NATO ammunition and electronics. Before the USSR’s dissolution, the Kharkiv factory continued its T-64 platform’s development, eventually producing the T-80UD with an opposed piston diesel engine, which later evolved into the T-84. Over the 1990s, further enhancements led to the famously known BM Oplot, with a ton of modernizations, including western derived technologies, solidifying its position as a formidable modernized soviet style tank.
The Royal Thai Army’s 2011 order for 49 Oplot-T tanks faced delivery delays, leading to reports of a potential shift to the Chinese VT-4 tank by 2017. However, Ukroboronprom confirmed the successful completion of the 2011 contract by March 2018, finishing the delivery of the final batch to Thailand.
After more than 15 years in service and numerous missions, it was decided in 2028 that new battle tanks had to be purchased - ideally from Western or domestic production. Several ASEAN countries presented their concepts for new models, but ultimately none of the proposals were convincing. Either the offers were too expensive or did not meet the requirements: easy maintenance, modern sensors, greater firepower than the previous VT-4 and T-84, and a hard-kill APS system. In spring 2029, a comprehensive modernization program for a new variant of the T-84 was launched. This initially received financial support for the construction of a prototype and a promising prospect for series production. In April 2030, the first prototype of the T-84TH was presented and handed over to the Royal Thai Army for testing. After extensive testing, the army decided to officially purchase around 161 new T-84 Oplot-TH and modernize 39 existing T-84 BM Oplot-T. Parallel to the new MBT, the development and production of a new 125mm ammunition was approved and thus the first domestic APFSDS, THAP-1, was commissioned. The first delivery took place in 2032. Shortly after the entry into service, other ASEAN countries also expressed interest: Indonesia, Vietnam and Malaysia placed orders for 120 Oplot-TN, 70 Oplot-TV and 90 Oplot-TM units respectively. The purchases were approved and deliveries began in 2034.
The T-84 Super Oplot-TH Overall
The BM Oplot tank is a Stronghold on tracks with high protection across four levels: two layer APS, ERA, and base armor. Its active protection’s, called Varta, derivated from T-90A’s Shtora system, as well as Israeli Trophy Hard-Kill APS. Additionally to the strong protection; laser warning systems (LWS) and non-damaging dazzlers strategically positioned to maintain the tank’s armor integrity.
A standout feature is the Duplet ERA, defending the front and sides against HEAT and KE threats. Apart from the new APS, a completely new turret was built and equipped with more ERA blocks. However, its bulkiness necessitated a more compact base armor; reduced to a three-layer configuration.
The focus on protection also significantly increased the tank’s weight - now being 53 tons - to compensate this, the engineers integrated an reverse-engineered and overhauled 6TD-2TH Mk.1 diesel engine, now delivering 1380hp providing a power-to-weight ratio of roughly 26hp/t, slightly higher than previously - 23.5hp/t. This engine also features automated gear control, replacing tillers with a steering wheel, enabling neutral turns, and featuring a gear reverser for seven forward and four reverse gears; all in all, the tank is able to achieve speeds up to +71/-32 km/h.
While capable of firing standard 125mm rounds, the BM Oplot features unique ammunition. Notably the GLATGM, which functions as a laser beamrider, a tandem warhead and 750mm penetration behind ERA.
Furthermore, a more modern APFSDS round, the THAP-1, with some data regarding its intended performance showing ~700mm pen and a muzzle velocity speed of 1.800m/s.
A standout feature is the Duplet ERA, defending the front and sides against HEAT and KE threats. Apart from the new APS, a completely new turret was built and equipped with more ERA blocks. However, its bulkiness necessitated a more compact base armor; reduced to a three-layer configuration.
The focus on protection also significantly increased the tank’s weight - now being 53 tons - to compensate this, the engineers integrated an reverse-engineered and overhauled 6TD-2TH Mk.1 diesel engine, now delivering 1380hp providing a power-to-weight ratio of roughly 26hp/t, slightly higher than previously - 23.5hp/t. This engine also features automated gear control, replacing tillers with a steering wheel, enabling neutral turns, and featuring a gear reverser for seven forward and four reverse gears; all in all, the tank is able to achieve speeds up to +71/-32 km/h.
While capable of firing standard 125mm rounds, the BM Oplot features unique ammunition. Notably the GLATGM, which functions as a laser beamrider, a tandem warhead and 750mm penetration behind ERA.
Furthermore, a more modern APFSDS round, the THAP-1, with some data regarding its intended performance showing ~700mm pen and a muzzle velocity speed of 1.800m/s.
Thanks for your time, hope you liked it 
[Will add more if there are some (more) important / declassified things]
[PM or comment if a Link or Picture isn´t working]
Sources:
VERY LEGIT LOOKING SOURCES
Books / Other:
Secret Documents
Private Collection