- Yes
- No
Zdravo. I’ve seen that I still have not done a single Yugo suggestion, despite coming from there, so I’m here to change that by suggesting the Serbian M-84AB1, aka the T-90A’s cousin :)
Description:
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The M-84AB1 is an advanced version of the M-84A tank, developed by Yugoimport. It boasts enhanced protection with second-generation dynamic armor (Kontakt-5), designed to defend against both shaped charges and subcaliber projectiles. The tank is equipped with an electro-optic system (Shtora) to counteract second-generation anti-tank missiles, a smoke-screen deployment system, and electromagnetic protection against mines. It was originally called M-2001, but for the sake of making this suggestion more understandable, I’ll be calling it the M-84AB1, as that’s how almost everyone calls it.
It features a 125mm 2A46M gun capable of missile delivery and guidance, a modern fire control system with a four-channel day and night sight, and an electrically driven turret stabilizer. Additionally, it includes a remote-controlled 12.7 mm machine gun, an updated gun auto-loader, a fire and explosion protection system, an 18 KW starter generator, an NBC (nuclear, biological, chemical) protection system, and an engine start protection system.
The tank also has new forged two-axes tracks, improved torsion shafts, enhanced shock absorbers, stronger road wheels, a command and information system (KIS M-84), radar detection, and a passive intelligence radar system. The panoramic surveillance and observation station is used for various conditions, including surveillance, reconnaissance, and targeting.
History:
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The M-84AB1 tank, an upgraded variant of the M-84A, was unveiled by Yugoimport on June 1, 2004, during the company’s 55th anniversary celebration. This modernized main battle tank, also known as the M-2001, was envisioned as a “tank for the 21st century.” The project aimed to secure sales to Kuwait, with the goal of generating funds to modernize the armored forces of Serbia and Montenegro. However, this plan did not come to fruition as Kuwait did not place any orders, and the Army of Serbia and Montenegro ultimately rejected the prototype due to its high cost and complexity.
The M-84AB1 was developed as part of a broader initiative to upgrade the M-84 series, which was originally based on the Soviet T-72M tank. The original M-84 entered service with the Yugoslav People’s Army in 1984, followed by the improved M-84A version a few years later. Also I swear none of y’all better slander the M-84 by just calling it a T-72, I will throw hands /s
Despite its advanced features, the M-84AB1 did not see widespread adoption, with only a limited number of units produced. The financial and political situation in Serbia at the time likely contributed to the limited production and adoption of this tank.
The M-84AB1 was showcased at the Partner 2009 Military Exhibition, highlighting its advanced features and capabilities. Additionally, it participated in the PARTNER 2015 International Fair of Armaments and Defence Equipment exhibition held in Belgrade, Serbia.
Armaments and Electronics:
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1 7.62mm RCWS
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1 7.62mm coaxial machine gun
1 12.7mm machine gun (without RCWS)
2A46M 125mm smoothbore cannon
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The 125mm cannon is capable of firing the…
PLO-TM M88, copy or licensed version of CL3579 Mk2 APFSDS shell from IMI (Israel)
APFSDS-T M88 (Something important to note; M88 is an often used serbian term for their apfsds, like their older, no longer used 3BM9 APFSDS shells, so it’s not one of those ancient, soviet time shells.)
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HE M86P2
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HEAT-T M17
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HEAT-T M88P1
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Refleks-M/Svir gun launched ATGM
If it can carry anything else, then please do tell me!
Shtora softkill APS, same ones found on the T-90A
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Brand new FCS
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Passive intelligence radar system
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Panoramic surveillance and observation station
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Thermals, at the very least Gen 2, most likely Catherine-QW gunner sights or PNK-4S.
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Possibly faster reload and spall liners?
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Specifications
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I cannot find reliable sources talking about its size, so I’ll use the basic M-84 size as a placeholder. The AB1’s length is around 9.5m, height of 2.2m and width of 3.6m. It’s weight is around 45 tons and uses (or atleast was planned) to use a V-46-TK1 1200hp engine, which makes it go a little bit over 70km/h. In terms of protection it uses Kontakt-5 ERA, like on it’s T-90A cousin, however unlike the T-90A, it probably has less armour, although a source says its similar to the T-90 armour.
Sources:
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www.yugoimport.com • Pogledaj temu - Multisenzorska platforma TOMS
https://www.army-technology.com/projects/m-84ab1-main-battle-tank-mbt/?cf-view
Main Battle Tank M-84 - Đuro Đaković
Armoured | Serbian Armed Forces
https://tanks-encyclopedia.com/modern/kuwait/m-84-and-m-84ab-tanks-in-kuwaiti-service/
Thanks a lot for reading! If you have any extra information, then feel free to share them in the replies! As always, have a good day :)