Polish PT‑91 tanks bolster Ukraine's frontline defences
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 transfer of PT-91 Twardy 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 course in 2023, we returned to Ukraine with these tanks to carry out combat missions. First, we operated in the Zaporizhzhia direction, and now we're advancing against the occupiers here in the Pokrovsk area," 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 emphasise the higher durability of the Polish machine. They attribute this 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 recalled an incident in which one of the PT-91 Twardy tanks they were using was hit by an enemy anti-tank guided missile. Although it was immobilised 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 modernisation 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 the level of 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 in the T-72 (850 horsepower). Ukrainians claim that the PT-91 Twardy can accelerate to 60 km/h.
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 this last machine gun, designed in the 1960s for use against helicopters, unused.
"If we talk about FPV drones, only the grill will effectively help," Ukrainians assess.
