Oplot-M / New Modern Ukrainian Main Battle Tank

Oplot-M, Ukraine. The Oplot-M main battle tank is a further development of the previous Oplot, which is based on the T-84. This MBT was revealed in 2008. It is an improved version, rather than entirely new design. Main components of this tank were developed back in the 1990s. This MBT completed Ukrainian Army trials, however it was not ordered by the Ukrainian Army due to funding problems. Thailand ordered 49 of these tanks. Thai tanks have some minor modifications to meet local requirements and are referred as Oplot-T. First tanks were delivered to Thailand in 2013. Deliveries are rather slow due to ongoing military conflict in Ukraine and by the end of 2017 a total of 36 of these tanks were delivered. Some sources report that Pakistan recently ordered 294 Oplot-M tanks and 12 ATLET armored recovery vehicles for delivery in 2018 to 2021. The Oplot-M MBT is fitted with Duplet-NAS-2 built-in explosive reactive armor of new generation that protects against tandem warheads. It is claimed to be superior to the Russian Contact-5ERA armor. Protection of hull sides was also improved. The tank is fitted with STORA countermeasures system, which reduced hit probability of enemy ATGW with semi-automatic guidance. It has been reported that this MBT can also be fitted with Zaslan active protection system. The Oplot-M main battle tank is armed with a 125mm fully stabilized smoothbore gun fitted with a carousel-type autoloader. Vehicle is capable of firing 9K1-19M Reflex, NATO designation at 11 Sniper-B, gun-launched anti-tank guided missiles. These missiles are launched in the same manner as ordinary munitions. Maximum range of fire is 5 km. A total of 40 rounds are carried inside the hull. This Ukrainian tank has a hunter-killer engagement capability. Commander uses a panoramic sight with thermal vision to search for targets. Once the target is selected the gun is laid on the target automatically and the gunner completes all the aiming and firing process. During that time commander looks for the next target. Such engagement method is present on all modern main battle tanks. Secondary armament consists of coaxial 7.62mm machine gun and remotely controlled 12.7mm machine gun mounted on top of the roof. The Oplot-M has improved sights, aiming and observation systems. This tank is operated by a crew of three, including commander, gunner and driver. There is no need for the loader, as the tank has automatic ammunition loading system. Smaller crew allowed to reduce overall dimensions of the vehicle, making it a smaller target on the battlefield. Vehicle is powered by Ukrainian 6TD2E turbocharged diesel engine, developing 1,200 hp. It is improved and more environmentally friendly version of the previous 6TD2 diesel engine, used on the T-84 MBT. Another engine, the 6TD3, is currently under development. It will have a power output of 1,500 hp. The Oplot-M is faster than the Russian T-90 and its improved versions, such as the T-90M and T-90MS Tagil. This main battle tank is also fitted with auxiliary power unit, which powers all systems, when the main engine is shut down. The Oplot-M is fitted with a deep wading kit and can ford water obstacles up to 5 meters deep.