Delayed tank transfer: Why 86 T‑72s took two years to arrive
The Czech press reports that transferring 86 T-72 tanks to Ukraine took over two years. The last 20 tanks reached Ukraine at the beginning of 2025. Analysts from the Ukrainian portal Defense Express are attempting to address the pressing question: why did the transfer of tanks take so long?
According to the Czech press, at the start of 2025, Ukraine received the final 20 T-72 tanks from the Czech Republic. This process commenced in August 2022 and spanned over two years. These tanks, although produced in the 1980s, were in good technical condition, which meant no additional repair work was necessary. So, why was the transfer so prolonged?
Problems with modernisation
Defense Express highlights that, on one hand, the dispatch of additional tanks to Ukraine is positive news because 20 vehicles will reach the front line, for which soldiers require no extra training. On the other hand, analysts observe that the process of transferring the tanks began in August 2022 and took over two years.
It is noted that the tanks recently transferred are models from the 1980s and are in good technical condition, implying no need for further refurbishment. However, it is worth mentioning that the Czech army will retain 30 T-72M4CZ tanks, which are currently undergoing modernization, and this should be completed by 31st December 2025.
Experts highlight that the modernization will be conducted in a "limited" manner. Previously, there were plans to upgrade the chassis and fire control system, but the Czech military will only refurbish the chassis due to challenges in sourcing parts. Furthermore, the Czechs express frustration that acquiring new Leopard 2A8s is proving to be a lengthy process.
Reasons for delays
Analysts identify two primary reasons for the delays in transferring the T-72 tanks. Firstly, the Czech defence industry has limited capacity in terms of the pace of refurbishing the remaining vehicles. Secondly, the Czech military might have preferred to keep the tanks in storage for as long as feasible—in optimal condition.
The T-72M1 tanks transferred to Ukraine are second-generation main battle tanks from the Soviet era, equipped with an engine producing 582 kW (780 hp). This engine allows the approximately 40-tonne machine to attain a maximum speed of about 60 km/h (37 mph) on paved surfaces.
This tank is armed with a 125 mm smoothbore cannon, a 7.62 mm machine gun, and a 12.7 mm anti-aircraft machine gun. Despite having enhanced armour compared to the T-72M model, the T-72M1 falls short in crew protection compared to newer armoured vehicles, particularly those produced in the West.
