Slovenia has sent previously announced M-55S tanks to Ukraine by rail.

Correspondents of the Slovenian edition 24UR showcased footage of this batch of tanks in the city of Celje.

“There are 28 M-55S tanks under the black tarp, which were still in the reserve of the Slovenian army, but now they will strengthen the defense of Ukraine in the war,” the report said.

Slovenia promised Ukraine 28 М-55S tanks in exchange for equipment from Germany.

The Slovenian military will receive 35 heavy 8×8 trucks and five heavy 8×8 water tanks.

An exchange agreement between Prime Minister Robert Golob and German Chancellor Olaf Scholz was signed in September.

Thus, such a circular exchange will also strengthen defense cooperation between Slovenia and Germany.

It is the second significant party of Slovenian military support for Ukraine. In July, Slovenia sent 35 М-80А armored personnel carriers to Ukraine.

M-55S

Many countries with old Soviet-era tanks in service have carried out their modernization. In Slovenia, the obsolete Т-55 tanks have undergone the deepest modernization likewise.

This modernization was made jointly by the Slovenian STO RAVNE and the Israeli Elbit companies. During this work, 30 tanks were modernized.

The last updated Т-55 was transferred to the Slovenian armed forces in 1999.

During the modernization, a new 105mm L7 gun with a thermal sleeve was installed.

The tanks were equipped with reactive armor, the elements of which are clearly visible on the hull and turret.

The fire control system was improved by installing a digital ballistic computer. The gun is stabilized in two axes.

A new Fotona SGS-55 sight with a laser rangefinder was installed.

The tank also received a new Fotona COMTOS-55 commander’s sight with an independent line of sight stabilization.

It allows tracking targets and even carrying out gun guidance regardless of the gunner.

The LIRD-1A laser irradiation detector is associated with the launch system of smoke grenade launchers IS-6, which can be automatically activated in the event of an emergency.

Modernization of the V-12 diesel engine led to an increase in power from 520 hp to 600 hp.

The tank was also equipped with new rubber-metal tracks.