Polish PT‑91 tanks bolster Ukrainian front lines in counter-offensive
Ukrainian soldiers from the 117th Mechanized Brigade gave an interview in which they assessed the Polish PT-91 Twardy tanks. In their opinion, these machines, which are based on the Soviet T-72, are noticeably better, and the deployment of PT-91 Twardy tanks to the front has proven to be a significant reinforcement for the defenders' army.
"A group of officers was formed in Lviv, who trained at a training centre in Poland. There, we learned how to operate the PT-91 tanks. We mastered the equipment together with the crews. After a six-week training, in 2023, we went to Ukraine with these tanks to carry out combat missions. First in the Zaporizhzhia direction, now here in the Pokrovsk area, we are advancing against the occupiers," said a Ukrainian commander in an interview with the ArmyInform portal.
Ukrainians assessed Polish PT-91 Twardy tanks
Comparing the PT-91 Twardy to the Soviet prototype, Ukrainians emphasize the higher durability of the Polish machine. This improvement is attributed to the use of ERAWA reactive armour. Constructively, these are blocks with an explosive charge placed between steel plates, designed to disperse the cumulative stream at the moment of explosion.
Members of the 117th Mechanized Brigade recall an incident where one of the PT-91 Twardy tanks they were using was hit by an enemy anti-tank guided missile. Although it was immobilized and caught fire, the crew survived and managed to evacuate. Situations where enemy shells exploded very close and fragments hit the tank occurred repeatedly but did not hinder the crews in accomplishing their tasks.
Successful modernization of the Soviet tank
To further increase the durability of the Polish tanks, "grill structures" are installed on them. This solution is intended to improve protection against drone attacks.
Among the important elements introduced by Polish designers in the PT-91 Twardy are the Obra self-defence system and the DRAWA fire control system with a thermal sight, as well as a more powerful engine than the T-72 (850 horsepower). Ukrainians claim that the PT-91 Twardy can accelerate to 60 km/h (37 miles per hour).
Regarding the Soviet prototype, the armament of the PT-91 Twardy has not been changed; it consists of a 125 mm cannon and two machine guns - a 7.62 mm and an anti-aircraft 12.7 mm. However, the large number of drones over Ukraine (also moving at high altitudes) has rendered the latter machine gun, designed in the 1960s for use against helicopters, less effective.
"If we talk about FPV drones, only the grill will effectively help," Ukrainians assess.
