ZTS/SABCA/SFIM T-72M2E Moderna - Double Dakka

Surbaissemaxxing · January 24, 2026, 9:57pm

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Suggestion No.107

G’day lads. I want to suggest the T-72M2E Moderna with it’s 2 20mm KAA cannons, as well as having other things compared to the current T-72M2 Moderna (30mm) that is in game right now :)

Screenshot 2026-02-15 032032(1)

Description:

Spoiler

The T-72M2E Moderna is a Slovak modernization of the T-72M main battle tank developed in the early 90s. It was designed to enhance firepower, protection, and combat effectiveness while retaining the existing T-72 chassis and 125mm smoothbore gun. The modernization integrates upgraded fire control systems, improved observation devices, enhanced armor protection, Western electronic components, and additional armament options. The tank is operated by a three man crew and is capable of day and night combat operations, including accurate fire while stationary or on the move. One of the biggest differences compared to the 72M2 version would be the fact that it has 2 20mm KAA cannons instead of 1 30mm 2A42 cannon.

History:

Spoiler

Following the dissolution of Czechoslovakia in 1993, Slovakia inherited a fleet of T-72M tanks. In order to maintain operational relevance and explore export opportunities, Slovak defense industry initiated a modernization program for the platform.

The project was led by Slovak industry (including ZTS Dubnica/Trenčín) in cooperation with the Belgian company SABCA (FCS and sights). The modernization was meant to integrate Western fire control systems, thermal imaging, and upgraded protection systems into their T-72 that were sitting around. Aside from the 2 primary creators, it’s other systems came from other companies like SFIM (aiming device) and GEC Marconi (computer system controlling turret).

The upgraded vehicle was first publicly presented in the mid 90s, including at IDET 1994 in Brno. Some rumors say the prototype was initially associated with the name “Antares” before being designated T-72M2E Moderna, but this appears to be false, as the “Antares” is just a upgrade package (which features the VEGA FCS and VS 580 commander sights) made by SABCA and SFIM. Additionally, DEUGRA took part with the fire extinguishing system. Only one prototype of the 20mm was completed (although possibly some demonstrators exist), and the program did not proceed to full scale production.

International attention followed its exhibition. According to a June 8, 1994 report cited in National Revival and referenced by the Washington Post, the tank drew interest in Washington. The article highlighted that the T-72M2E was positioned as offering comparable performance to the American M1 at roughly half the price. During an exhibition visit, an American general reportedly remarked that he would like to examine the tank “for many hours.”

Despite favorable reception and marketing efforts, the modernization did not secure large export contracts and remained a developmental upgrade rather than an adopted production standard. The 30mm variant came later on, as the 20mm had “excessive load on the rotary system of the tower at firing in queues from both trunks at the same time”. This time however the T-72M2 (the 30mm variant) was focused to have more Slovak systems.

Armaments:

Spoiler

Main gun

125mm 2A46 smoothbore cannon

Practical rate of fire (automatic): 8 rounds/min

Manual loading: 2 rounds/min

Ammunition carried: 38 rounds

Two-plane electrohydraulic stabilization

2E28M stabilizer model

Ammo should be the same ones found on the T-72M2 Moderna ingame

Anti-Aircraft Cannons

2 20mm Oerlikon KAA cannons

Maximum effective range: 2000m

Rate of fire: 2000 rounds/min (combined system rate)

Ammunition carried: 400 rounds

Elevation: -4° to +35°

Further info like penetration for example is displayed below as images

Coaxial Machine Gun

7.62mm PKT

Maximum firing range (with TPD-K1 sight): 1800m

Ammunition carried: 2000 rounds

Gunner's Sight

VEGA Thermal imaging system

Magnification:
Narrow field: 5.5x
Wide field: 1.8x

Field of view:
Narrow: 3.3°x5.0°
Wide: 10°x15°

Operational range:
Target identification: > 1800m
Observation: > 3000m
Detection: > 7800m

Thermal quality (via SPRITE):
512x790 element thermal image (about 400,000 elements)

TPD-K1 (Day Sight with Laser Rangefinder)

Magnification: 8x

Laser rangefinder

Commander’s Sight

VS 580 Panoramic, stabilized in two axes

Azimuth: Unlimited rotation

Elevation: −35° to +55°

Minimum guidance speed: 0.006°/sec

Maximum guidance speed: 53°/sec

Driver's Sight

NV-2P Stereoscopic optical device

Night visibility (5x10^-3 lux): 180m

Additional equipment

DYNAS ERA

LIRD (-3A?) LWS

3D6 smoke grenade system (12 grenades)

R-173 radio

R-124 intercom

Built-in dozer blade

Underwater driving equipment

NBC protection system

Minefield passage capability

Smoke screen system

Automatic fire suppression

Spare parts and tool kit (ZIP)

Screenshot 2026-02-15 022053

^ NOTE: This drawing displays the T-72M2 Moderna. It would be the same aside from having it’s 30mm, more ERA, TIGS, MS cannon, as well as the MVS 480 and LIRD-1 (instead of the M2E’s VS 580 commander sight and LIRD-3A (?) LWS)

Oerlikon KAA and shell info

grafik

Even more (older) KAA info (204GK is now the KAA)

Specifications:

Spoiler

(Info images have been posted under armaments) The T-72M2E has a length of 9530mm’s, a width of 3590mm’s and a height of 2230mm’s. It has a weight of around 43.5 tons. It is powered by a S 12 U engine that can generate up to 838hp (more likely) or possibly up to 850hp. This can make it go up to 60km/h on road.