Russia Plans to Repair and Upgrade More Than 800 T-72 Tanks Over the Next Decade

Russia plans to repair and upgrade more than 800 T-72 tanks to the T-72B3M standard over the next 10 years — a figure that matches the number of remaining T-72s in storage and at tank factories.

The analytical project Frontelligence Insight published the information on Russia’s production plans.

Analysts reviewed internal Uralvagonzavod documentation and, based on the number of ordered components, reconstructed production plans for the repair and modernization of T-72 tanks, as well as for the repair and production of Terminator-2 fire support vehicles.

At the same time, the analysts noted that confidence in the T-72 data is lower than in estimates of plans for the repair, modernization, and production of T-90 tanks.

Overall, the data indicate that Russia plans to overhaul and upgrade 828 vehicles to the T-72B3M configuration by 2036. As with the T-90M and T-90M2, peak activity is expected around 2028, when 498 T-72B3M units are projected to be repaired or upgraded between 2027 and 2029.

OSINT analyst Jompy on X, who specializes in tracking Russian equipment in storage using satellite imagery, noted that this figure aligns closely with the estimated number of T-72s in reserve. Older T-72A tanks, produced between 1979 and 1985, have also reportedly been sent to Uralvagonzavod to be refurbished.

Analysts note that a full modernization of T-72A tanks to the T-72B3M standard will be a complex process, requiring a complete replacement of electronics, redesign of the chassis and loading system, and upgrades to the hull and turret armor.

Meanwhile, simply restored T-72A tanks equipped with additional reactive armor resembling that of the T-72B3 have already been spotted with Russian forces at the front in 2024.

Terminator-2

The documents obtained by analysts also indicate that production of Terminator-2 fire support vehicles will remain at a very low level.
Between 2027 and 2036, only 86 such vehicles are expected to be overhauled or produced.

In late September, a new Russian modification of the T-72B3 tank was spotted on the production line at Uralvagonzavod.

The main visible change in the updated version is the addition of wedge-shaped Relikt explosive reactive armor containers on the turret — a design similar to that used on the upgraded T-80BVM. The change eliminates long-known gaps between the turret’s armor blocks and unifies protection components across different tank models.