Ukrainian Oplot-T Tanks of the Thai Army Engage in Combat in Cambodia

For the first time, the Thai Army has deployed Ukrainian Oplot-T tanks for live combat operations in Cambodia.

The Operations Center of the First Army Area of Thailand reported that the Burapha Task Force conducted a tank-fired attack on the excise department on the Cambodian side of the border.

According to the Thai military, the facility, which was located near the demarcation line, was used as a firing position for indirect weapons, machine gun emplacements, and as a weapons depot for attacks on Thai forces.

“The target was located directly opposite the Ban Ta Praya Border Trade Facilitation Point, Ta Praya District, Sa Kayeaw Province,” the statement reads.

For the first time, Ukrainian-made Oplot-T tanks were used in this operation. They are in service with the 2nd Cavalry Battalion of Thailand, which also released a video of the tanks in action.

During the training, the tanks were fitted with lightweight protective grilles to protect the turrets from drones and explosives.

Thus, the Thai army’s Burapha Task Force has been actively advancing deep into Cambodian territory since yesterday.

Thai Oplot tanks

Thailand currently has 49 BM Oplot-T tanks in service, supplied under a 2011 contract with Ukraine. The delivery was completed in 2018. These combat vehicles have been positively evaluated for their combat performance, but require proper care and maintenance. The tanks were manufactured at the state-owned Malyshev Plant.

The first batch of five tanks was delivered in October 2013. Subsequent deliveries were made in batches: the second in 2015, the third in 2016, the fourth at the end of 2016, and several more batches in 2017. The contract is considered to have been fulfilled in 2018, when the last batch was tested.

The export version of the tank for Thailand received adaptation of communication and air conditioning systems for comfortable operation in tropical climates.

The Royal Thai Army has also received several BREM-84 Atlet tanks. In particular, in 2017-2018, Thailand received at least two such vehicles.

The BREM Atlet is equipped with a crane unit with a lifting capacity of up to 25 tons, enabling the replacement of the tank’s main components and assemblies, including the turret and engine.