Czech Republic Poised to Send Modernized T-72M4CZ Tanks to Ukraine
Czechia is preparing to transfer around 30 upgraded T-72M4CZ tanks to Ukraine’s armed forces that could significantly boost Kyiv’s armored capabilities with vehicles comparable to Russia’s most advanced T-90M main battle tanks.
The Gaze reports this, referring to an announcement made by the Czech Ministry of Defence.
Chief of the General Staff Karel Řehka said he intends to recommend that the government approve the transfer in the interests of national security, describing the step as both a strategic and moral contribution to Ukraine’s defense.
The T-72M4CZ program dates back to the 1990s, when Czech engineers sought to modernize Soviet-era T-72s after the Gulf War revealed their technological shortcomings compared with Western armor.
Key upgrades include a modern fire-control system with integrated sights, a thermal imager (range up to 4 km), and a ballistic computer for accurate fire while moving day or night; a 1,000-horsepower engine replaceable in under 30 minutes; and reinforced armor with DYNA-72 reactive protection, TRALL mine shielding, and a laser-warning system.
According to military experts, the T-72M4CZ’s performance is close to the T-72B3M (2014) and in some areas rivals the T-90M (2018) – Russia’s most advanced tank currently in combat use.
The Czech model features a modern commander’s panoramic sighting system, while many Russian tanks still rely on older optical devices with a viewing range of barely 500 meters.
The Czech Army now operates roughly 30 T-72M4CZs, gradually replacing them with German Leopard 2A4 tanks. Those decommissioned units could be transferred to Ukraine once the government gives its formal approval.
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