The Armed Forces of Uruguay is to receive a batch of 100 upgraded T-72B1MS “White Eagle” (Object 184-1MS) main battle tanks from Russia, according to information provided by Russian defence reporter and military expert Alexey Khlopotov on 7 April.
Alexey Khlopotov said that 100 T-72B1MS tanks will be delivered to Uruguay in two batches of 50 combat vehicles. Besides the upgraded tanks, Uruguay to receive TT-72WE tank simulator for the crew training.
A new upgraded variant of the T-72 main battle tank (MBT) known as the T-72B1MS “White Eagle” (also named T-72B1) was developed by the 61st Armored Vehicle repair plant in Strelna, outside St. Petersburg. The upgraded T-72B1MS tank has received the PN-72U Sosna-U day/night gunner`s sight.
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The commander`s seat is equipped with the PKP-72 Sokolinyi Glaz (Falcon`s Eye) panoramic sight integrated with a third-generation thermal imager. Also, the tank is equipped with new remote weapon station on the turret armed with a 12.7 mm NSVT Utes heavy machine gun.
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The bases T-72 is a Soviet second-generation main battle tank that entered production in 1971. About 20,000 T-72 tanks were built, making it one of the most widely produced post–World War II tanks, second only to the T-54/55 family. At the moment, Russia seeks to sell the surplus of these tanks to other countries.