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PT-91 Twardy

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PT-91 Twardy
PT-91 Twardy
TypeMain battle tank
Place of originPoland
Service history
Used bySeeUsers
WarsRusso-Ukrainian War
Production history
ManufacturerBumar-Łabędy[1]
No.builtAround 285[1]
Specifications
Mass45.9 tonnes
Length6.95 m (9.67 with barrel in forward position)[2]
Width3.59 m[2]
Height2.19 m[2]
Crew3

ArmorComposite armour; front and side armour laminated; front, side and top armour behind Erawa-1/Erawa-2 ERA, steel side anti-cumulative screens
Main
armament
1 × 125 mm 2A46 (D-81TM) gun (42 rounds)[3]
Secondary
armament
1 × 7.62mmPKTcoaxial general-purpose machine gun (2,000 rounds)
1 × 12.7 mmNSVT heavy machine gun (300 rounds)[2]
EnginePZL-WolaS-12U diesel
850 hp (630 kW)
Power/weight18.5 hp/tonne (13.8 kW/tonne)
TransmissionManual
Suspensiontorsion-bar
Ground clearance395 mm[2]
Fuel capacity1,000 L[2]
Operational
range
650 km (700 km with extra fuel tanks)[4]
Maximum speed60 km/h[2]
PT-91M Pendekar
PT-91M Pendekar of Malaysian Army on display
TypeMain battle tank
Place of originPoland
Service history
Used byMalaysia
Specifications
Mass48.5 tonnes[5]
Length6.86 m[5]
(10.03 m with barrel in forward position)[5]
Width3.70 m[5]
Height2.60 m[5]
Crew3[5]

ArmorComposite armour; front and side armour laminated; front, side and top armour behind Erawa-1/Erawa-2 ERA, steel side anti-cumulative screens
Main
armament
1 × Rh-120 L/44 120 mm or Rh-120 L/55 120 mmRheinmetall Rh-120[6](42 rounds)
Secondary
armament
1 × 7.62mmFN MAGcoaxial general-purpose machine gun (2,000 rounds),
1 x 12.7 mmFN M2 HBanti-aircraft heavy machine gun (250 rounds)[5]
EnginePZL-WolaS-1000R diesel
1,000 hp (750 kW)[5]
Power/weight20.6 hp/t (16 kW/t)
TransmissionAutomatic RENK-SESM/ESM-350M[5]
Suspensiontorsion-bar
Ground clearance395 mm[5]
Maximum speed70 km/h[5]

ThePT-91 Twardy(Polish pronunciation:[ˈtfar.dɨ],English: Hard) is a Polishmain battle tank.A development of theT-72M1,it entered service in 1995. The PT-91 was designed at theOBRUM(Ośrodek Badawczo-Rozwojowy Urządzeń Mechanicznych,orResearch and Development Centre for Mechanical Appliances) and is produced by theBumar Łabędycompany,[7]part of the Bumar Group,[8]a Polish technical military consortium. Changes from the T-72M include a new dual-axis stabilizedfire-control system,reactive armour,a more powerful engine,transmissionand newautomatic loader.

Unlike many other T-72 upgrades, Polish Army PT-91s feature elements created almost exclusively by domestic companies, including the new engine, fire control system, and all communication system elements. Many of the elements were used to upgrade existing fleets of T-72 tanks in countries including theCzech Republic(T-72M4 CZ), Georgia (T-72SIM-1), and India (T-72 Ajeya Mk. 2). A total of 232 PT-91 tanks were delivered to the Polish Land Forces: 92 newly built vehicles and 140 from refurbished T-72A and T-72M1 tanks, designatedPT-91M1andPT-91MA1,respectively.[citation needed]

History[edit]

In the late 1980s, thePolish Armymodernized all of its obsoleteT-55tanks to the T-55AMMéridastandard. The successful conversion convinced the General Staff that similar modernization programs could be applied to other Soviet-designed tanks made in Poland and used by the Polish Armed Forces. In late 1988, the decision was made to prepare the modernization of the T-72M1, using experience gained from the production of licensed T-72M (obiekt 172M-E3 – Polish army designation T-72), T-72M1 (obiekt 172M-E5) and T-72M1K (Polish army designation T-72M1D).[citation needed]

POD-72 commander's sight

TheGliwice-basedOBRUMwas chosen as the main design bureau. However, initially, the work progressed at a very slow pace, mainly because the Polish General Staff was also considering the purchase of a newer version of the T-72 (T-72S) or the modernT-80.[citation needed]

After the political upheaval of 1989 and dissolution of theSoviet bloc,Polish-Soviet talks on purchase of modern tanks came to a halt and support for designing a new Polish tank gained momentum. The first design proposed by the bureau was code-namedWilk(Polish forwolf), but the project was cancelled. Instead, priority was shifted to a different project namedTwardy.[citation needed]

The basic aim of the T-72 conversion was to adapt it to the reality of modern warfare and fix its most visible deficiencies. Among those were low mobility, insufficient armour, lack of a fire control system and poor stabilisation of the main gun, which resulted in poor firing accuracy. An additional problem was the lack of passivenight visionaiming systems.[citation needed]

Development[edit]

Starting in July 1991,T-72modernization programs were implemented by theBumar-Labedyfactory, which had been producingT-72sunder Soviet license. The modernized main battle tank was designated the PT-91Twardy.Bumar-Labedy enhanced the tank's armour protection, fire control system and the engine. In 1993, the Polish Defense Ministry ordered 20 PT-91 tanks, to be used for field trials and armed forces tests.[citation needed]

The driver's control panel, US-DK-1

The newERAWA[pl]dynamic armour, developed by the Poland Military-Technical Institute, increased the main battle tank's protection fromhigh-explosive anti-tank(HEAT) projectiles and missiles. The protection consisted of 394 tiles with explosives, which would detonate in case of a direct hit. The tiles cover 9 m2of the tank: 108 are placed on the turret, 118 on the hull and 84 on each side's anti-HEAT screens. TheTwardyuses steel anti-HEAT screens instead of the rubber one used on the T-72.[citation needed]

The ERAWA tiles fit together almost without gaps, unlike the gaps on the modernized Soviet T-72 which measure up to 15 mm, noticeably decreasing their defensive effectiveness. There are two ERAWA modifications:ERAWA-1 and -2, differing in weight of the explosives. Experiments showed that the ERAWA dynamic defense decreases the high-explosive jet impact depth by 50–70% and that of penetrator (APFSDS) projectiles by 30–40%. Furthermore, ERAWA's explosive containers do not detonate when hit by a shot of up to 30 mm calibre or by shell or mine fragments, or when covered in burning napalm or petrol.[citation needed]

TheTwardyis armed with the same2A46125 mmsmoothboregun used in the T-72, fitted with an automatic reloading mechanism which reduces the tank crew by one, as it replaces the gun loader, and gives a rate of fire of 8 to 10 rounds per minute. Additional armament comprises the 7.62 mm PKT coaxial general-purpose machine gun and 12.7 mm NSVT anti-aircraft heavy machine gun. The PT-91 has a thermosmoke device that generates smoke screens from fuel, and has 24 grenade launchers fitted with smoke, anti-personnel fragmentation, or tear gas grenades developed specifically to provide a non-lethal protection.[citation needed]

The modernization of the fire control system began with replacing the older Soviet 2Є28M two-plane stabilizer with a new stabilizer developed in Slovakia. The system has an electronic information block showing the tank's technical condition. Furthermore, it informs the commander when the sighted fire becomes ineffective from excessively high cross-country speed or other reasons.[citation needed]

The drawa fire control system

TheDrawa (uzbrojenie)[pl]fire control system,developed by Polishengineers,contains the PCD gunner's day sight and the TES thermovision night sight developed by the Israeli companyEl-Op,thePOD-72commander's combined day-night passive observation and aiming sight, a ballistic computer, a laser rangefinder, and a data system processing information for the ballistic computer. The sighting of the ballistic computer depends on the target's speed, weather conditions, projectile temperature, and projectile type.[citation needed]

The driver uses the US-DK-1 control and diagnostic complex to control the tank's main systems, displaying information on a monitor. The driver's night sight was replaced by theRadomkapassive night sight.[citation needed]

The modernized tank's increased weight led the developers to add a more powerful engine: a 12-cylinder S-12U diesel engine (a modernized version of the Soviet V-46-6) produced in Warsaw byPZL-Wola,generating 850 hp instead of 780. The main improvement is the modernized fuel and air injection system. This caused, however, a noticeable decrease in the tank's road endurance. The latestTwardyvariants have the 1,000 hp S-1000 engine with a turbocharger.[citation needed]

Variants[edit]

PT-91Twardy[edit]

Production variant for the Polish Army, an extensively modernized development of the T-72M1. Most are equipped with an SKO-1M Drawa-1T dual-axis stabilized fire control system (with TES – Thermal Elbow Sight; the total number of delivered thermal sights is 202[9]) though some early production vehicles have a SKO-1 Drawa (with NV sight),Erawareactive armour, a PCO SSC-1 Obra-1 laser-warning system and 850 hp PZL-Wola S-12U engine.[10]The first 20 initial production vehicles were delivered toPolish Land Forcesin 1993–1994. Another 78 full-scale production vehicles were delivered 1995–1997, 135 modernized T-72M1 tanks (made in the late 80s) were delivered between 1998 and 2002. Both new and modernized tanks have the same combat capabilities.[10]The Polish Army uses PT-91s in 3 variants– PT-91, PT-91M and the PT-91MA1.[11]

PT-91ATwardy[edit]

Development variant with a PZL-Wola S-1000 1,000 hp engine with mechanic transmission and a number of other minor changes. Used for trials and as a demonstrator on military exhibitions.

PT-91ZHardy[edit]

(ZforZmodernizowany– literallyModernized) Further development with a SAGEM Savan-15 fire control system. In live-fire tests the Savan-15 has a minor advantage in accuracy over the Drawa.[12]The biggest advantage is a new gun stabilization system that provides a significant increase in accuracy when the tank is on the move. Later it was used as a base to develop the PT-91M. This variant has won a number of stress tests in Malaysia over theT-90,T-84andK1tanks, and has won the competition for a new Malaysian MBT. Only one prototype was made.

PT-91MPendekar[edit]

(MforMalaysia) Production export variant for Malaysia with a Sagem Savan-15 fire control system, a new 1,000 hp powerpack, and a Renk automatic transmission, bringing its top speed to 70 km/h. Its main gun has been changed to a ZTS 2A46MS 125 mm gun, along with a 7.62 mmFN MAGcoaxial machine gun and a 12.7 mmFN Browning M2 HBAA machine gun. This variant is equipped with a Sagem panoramic sight, a Sagem laser gyro inertial navigation system, turret stabilisation system, Obra-3laser-warning system,and is integrated with 81 mm smoke grenade launchers,CBRNwarning and protection system, andThalescommunication system. It also features ERAWA 2Explosive Reactive Armour,and German-made tank tracks (Diehl Defence). Two prototypes were made (renamed PT-91E and PT-91Ex), then 48 serial PT-91M Pendekarvehicleswere produced from 2007 to 2009.[5][13]

PT-91E/Ex[edit]

A PT-91E on company display

(EforExport) Renamed prototypes of the PT-91M used as demonstrators of the export variant shown at military exhibitions. The PT-91E is an initial prototype, initially named SP1 (it is the same vehicle that was shown on military parade in Kuala Lumpur in 2005). PT-91Ex is the second prototype, named SP2.[5]Both vehicles faced a number of tests in Malaysia. SP1 was used for traction tests and was driven 7000 km offroad in Malaysia. SP2 achieved 2000 km with 500 firings of the main cannon.[10]The PT-91Ex is very similar to PT-91M, and is offered for export to other countries.

PT-91P[edit]

(PforPeru) A demonstrator for the SITDEF Peru 2009 military exhibition, the PT-91P is a cheaper alternative to the PT-91Ex. This variant is equipped with the latest PCO Drawa-TG fire control system, a thermal sight, and a modern communication system (RadmorRRC9310 radio, WB Electronics Fonet-IP communication system andTeldatbattlefield management system). The vehicle was shown at a number of South American events including the SITDEF Peru 2009 Expo.[14][15][16]

PT-72U / PT-91U / PT-91EU[edit]

(UforUrbanizowany– Tank to fight in urbanized terrain) A demonstrator for the MSPO 2011 military exhibition. This is an offer for the Polish Army which involves certain modifications of the T-72 and PT-91 tanks. The modification includes installation of such additional equipment as a remote-controlled cannon with an optical system, an omnidirectional observation system, add-on armour, and further engineering equipment. The PT-72U is equipped with a remote-controlled weapon station armed with a 12.7 mm machine gun mounted to the crew commander hatch. The system had a fire rotation of 360° and an elevation angle for the gun from -5° to 55°.[17]

The observation system is equipped with 8 day–night cameras with the observation angle 55° and a rotary passive camera FLIR which has up to 26 times optical zoom. The armour package has chassis and turret bar armour. The bottom of the chassis is equipped with reactive armour and add-on armour. The PT-72U is equipped with a full range of new modern internal and external communication tools, allowing communication also via the internet.[17]There were plans to modernize 84 Armenian T-72s to the PT-72U standard.[18]

PT-16[edit]

A further development introduced in 2016. Upgrades include improved armour, armament, and mobility. The hull armour and cast turret have been upgraded with add-on composite armour equivalent to up to 1000 mm RHA (rolled homogeneous armour), supplied byGermany.The protection can be improved with Polish ERAWA explosive reactive armour. The 125 mm smoothbore cannon has been replaced with a 120 mm smoothbore cannon compatible with NATO ammunition and uses a carousel-type autoloader. This autoloader is separate from the crew compartment, where the T-72 autoloader was located. The manned 12.7 mm machine gun has been upgraded to be remotely operated.[19]

Other improvements include an upgraded fire control system. The tank is proposed to be fitted with a new engine, options for which include an unspecified Serbian turbocharged diesel, a German 1088 hp, Serbian V46-TK, and potentially yet-to-be-developed 1200 hp engines. Other improvements include rubber skirts covering the lower hull and the tracks, and new tracks based on those found on German Leopard 2s, which can be fitted with deep wading kits to allow it to ford water obstacles up to 13 feet (4.0 meters) deep. The upgrade can be applied to both PT-91s and T-72M1s, of which Poland has a total of 823 (233 PT-91s, 120 active T-72M1s, and 470 reserve T-72M1s). The vehicle did not entermass production.[20]

PT-17[edit]

The main goals of the PT-17 tank were to increase firepower and fire maneuverability, increase mobility and survivability on the battlefield, improve crew comfort, and increase mission duration. The demonstrator was developed in cooperation with Ukrainian companies that supplied the tank turret. The PT-17's power range includes a S1000R ESM-350M engine and a reinforced suspension. Diehl rubber tracks are used. The chassis equipment includes an auxiliary power generator (APU), air conditioning, a new steering system with shuttlecock and a PCO KDN-1 Nyks day/night reversing camera.[citation needed]

The tank turret is a Ukrainian construction, featuring the Ukrainian KBM-2 smoothbore 120 mm cannon, with a barrel length of L50, and a 22 mm ammunition-charge unit mounted in the niche of the turret. The total ammunition capacity is 50 shells. The armament is supplemented by a 7.62 mm caliber machine gun and a remotely mounted ZSMU-1276 armament module manufactured by Zakłady Mechaniczne "Tarnów" S.A. The turret was equipped with stabilized sight-and-sight optics, GOC-1 Nike and GOD-1 Iris from PCO S.A. and BMS. Optionally, the manufacturer advises on the use of Safran's VIGY-15 panoramic day-observation device.[citation needed]

The additional composite armour of both the hull and the turret is expected to increase survival of the tank on the battlefield, as is the installed PCO SSP-1 OBRA-3 universal self-propelled vehicle system and two 6-tube intermittent grenade launchers.[citation needed]

Features installed on the demonstrator systems are just an example of the possibilities. Ultimately, they can be configured according to the needs of the potential recipient.[21]

PT-91M2[edit]

Although the PT-91M2's modernization objectives are the same as the PT-17's, the range of the PT-91M2 differs considerably. The S-12U engine is powered by an 850-horsepower engine with enhanced mechanical transmission (Cx version). Tracks come with rubber overlays developed by Obrum / Bumar. Like the PT-17, reinforced suspension (torsion shafts, shock absorbers, and elastomer bumpers) are used. Among the chassis, equipment included the auxiliary power generator (APU), the modernized rotary car charger, the PNK-72 "Radomka" night-vision, and PCO KDN-1 Nyks night-time reversing camera. Hull protection is provided by the ERAWA III reactive armour and rod armour at the rear of the chassis.[citation needed]

Increased firepower is planned to be achieved by installing a 125 mm 2M46MS caliber Slovak cannon with a barrel length of 48 calibres. Inside the turret, there is also a change to the location of the second round of ammunition. Significantly, the PT-91M2 demonstrated a SAVAN-15 French fire control system (SAVAN-15) from Safran, previously used in PT-91M tanks in Malaysia. A TKN-3z night vision mount is available for the commander. The PT-91M2 has a SOD Observation System, a universal PCO SSP-1 OBRA-3 vehicle self-propelled system (both PCO S.A.), and two modules each of 12 902A smoke grenades. Additional protection for the turret includes ERAWA reactive armour modules.[21]

Related vehicles[edit]

WZT-3[edit]

Polish Army WZT-3M

WZTis the acronym of forWóz Zabezpieczenia TechnicznegoliterallyTechnical Support Vehicle:it indicates a family ofarmoured recovery vehiclesbased on the PT-91/T-72 tank hull, with over 400 vehicles delivered to the clients. It is armed with a 12.7 mm (12in) machine-gun fitted to the commander's hatch. Standard equipment includes: crane with telescopic jib that can lift a maximum load of fifteen tonnes, front-mounted stabilizing dozer blade, main and secondary winches.[citation needed]

  • WZT-3– A T-72 based variant for Polish Army – 20 vehicles.
  • WZT-3M– A PT-91 based variant for Polish Army – 9 new vehicles and 20 WZT-3 upgraded to this standard.
  • M-84AI– A M-84A based variant, made on licence in Yugoslavia – 15 vehicles for Kuwait
  • ARV-3– A T-72 based variant for Indian Army – 352 vehicles made
  • WZT-4[22]– A PT-91M based variant for Malaysian Army (technically this vehicle is closely related to MID-M) – 6 vehicles
Polish Army MID

MIDBizon-S[edit]

(MIDforMaszyna Inżynieryjno-Drogowa– lit.Engineering-Roading Machine;BizonisPolishforBison) – Polish engineering tank based on the PT-91 tank hull.[citation needed]

  • MID– A PT-91 based variant for Polish Army – 8 vehicles
  • MID-M– A PT-91M based variant for Malaysian Army – 3 vehicles

PMC[edit]

(PMCforPomocniczy Most Czołgowy– lit.Auxiliary Tank Bridge) – Polish Armoured Vehicle Launched Bridge is a close-supportbridgelayer.The PMC-90, developed on the basis ofPT-91,is able to carry out missions required to operations of combat forces.[citation needed]

  • PMC-90– PT-91 based prototype vehicle with MLC-60 bridge. Not adopted.
  • PMC-Leguan– PT-91M based variant for Malaysia equipped with the 26 m (87 ft) long MLC 60Leguan bridge system.5 vehicles for Malaysia.
  • MG-20 Daglezja-G[23](MGforMost Gąsienicowy– lit.Tracked Bridge) – a tracked bridge system, based on a lengthened T-72 chassis with one additional road wheel, equipped with a MLC-70 bridge system. Closely related to a truck based MS-20 Daglezja. Currently in development phase, it is expected to replace a T-55 based BLG-67M bridges in Polish Army.

PZALoara[edit]

PZA Loara

ThePZA(Przeciwlotniczy Zestaw Artyleryjski,meaning "AA Artillery System"; “Loara” means “Loire”in Polish) is an armoured self-propelledanti-aircraftartillery system developed in the late 1990s. Based around theTwardychassis, this system mounts an armoured turret holding twoOerlikonKDA 35 mm cannonslinked to aradarfire control system. It was planned that it would work closely together with PZR “Loara” (anti-aircraft rocket system) vehicles built on the basis of the PZA Loara but that project is currently on hold. The Loara is an autonomous fire unit capable of performing its tasks independently or acting as a component of a wider air defense system.[citation needed]

The system has two radars, 3D search radar and engagement radar. The search radar has a range of 26 km (16 mi) and is capable of tracking and identifying up to 64 targets at once. The radar system can be operated on the move, refreshing its data every second. The system has a laser range-finder, TV andFLIRcameras giving the system both all-weather day/night capabilities and the ability to operate entirely passively in a heavyECMenvironment. The system has a reaction time less than 10 seconds. The system can engage aircraft flying at altitudes from very low altitudes up to 5,000 m (16,000 ft), and flying at speeds up to 500 m/s (1,125 mph). It is effective against infantry, lightly armoured ground and naval targets.[citation needed]

SJ-09[edit]

SJ-09is one of the elements of the T-72 and PT-91 crew training system. The system is composed of both trainers teaching crew trainees how to operate different systems of the tank and simulators allowing training more advanced situations.[24]For example, the SJ-02 is used to teach how to load the main gun. The SJ-09 is the driver training vehicle used to train drivers in operating of the vehicle as big and heavy as main battle tank. The vehicle is a tank chassis that has the turret replaced with an instructor station. All unnecessary equipment (like side skirts) were removed. The vehicle has a dummy main gun that obstructs the driver's view, like in the real tank. Vehicles used by the Polish Army were rebuilt from the few original T-72 Ural in Polish inventory delivered from Soviet Union. Another vehicle was built new for the Malaysian Army as a part of the PT-91M order.[citation needed]

PT-94Goryl[edit]

(GorylisPolishforGorilla) – project of a Polish main battle tank designed using experience gained on PT-91 project. The tank would be similar in its design toMerkava(engine at front), and it would feature redesigned engine, transmission and fire control system. Armour: composite + ERA, main armament: 120/125 mm gun, 60 mm mortar, secondary armament: 7.62 mm PKT coaxial machine gun, 12.7 mm NSWT AA machine gun, crew: 3. This program was also known under the nameAnders.The program was cancelled at an early stage.[citation needed]

PT-97Gepard[edit]

The Gepard (PolishforCheetah), sometimes known as PT-2001, is another modification project of a Polish main battle tank prepared as a future modernisation programme for the T-72 family. The programme was called for, after the first PT-91 proposition fell below requirements. Two propositions were submitted, one byBumarwhich provided a project with modified frontal armour, different mortar and sporting aLeclerc–like a turret with the2A46main gun.OBRUM's competing project had new front and sides reactive armour and aL-44main gun.[citation needed]

Despite considerable improvements, neither was approved for financial reasons, and no prototypes were built. However, design experience helped with new PT-91 versions.[citation needed]

Krab[edit]

AHS Krab during a parade in Poland

TheKrab(PolishforCrab) is a 155 mm self-propelled howitzer designed byHSW S.A.with an OBRUM's UPG-NG chassis (a heavily modified variant of theSPG-1Mvehicle) which utilizes only a handful of components from the PT-91 program such as the road wheels, suspension and S-12U power plant. It combines these with a licensedAS-90MBraveheartturret armed with a 52-calibre gun andWB ElectronicsArtillery Fire Control SystemTopaz.[25]

In 2014, this configuration was abandoned due to manufacturing flaws (microfractures detected in the vehicle's welded steel plates), numerous reliability concerns related to the automotive performance of the chassis and the loss of the Polish manufacturing line for the S-12U engine, and was replaced by the Korean-madeK9tracked chassis.[25]

Operational history[edit]

Poland[edit]

233 PT-91swere delivered between 1995 and 2002. 232 vehicles remain in service. An early prototype is preserved in the Land Forces Training Center museum inPoznań.38 support vehicles were based on the T-72/PT-91 hull (29WZT-3Marmoured recovery vehicles, 8 MID engineering tanks, and one prototype PZA Loara self-propelled anti-aircraft weapon).

Number of PT-91sdelivered to Polish Land Forces each year[26]
1995–1996 1997 1998 1999 2000 2001 2002
58 58 7 33 50 20 7
A PT-91 Twardy from the 1st Armoured Brigade on military parade in Warsaw

Units equipped with the PT-91 Twardy:

  • 9 Brygada Kawalerii Pancernej(9th Armoured Cavalry Brigade) – two battalions,Braniewo- probably lost some tanks in 2022, relocated to units using T-72 that were transferred to Ukraine, it is expected that eventually 9th Brigade will receiveK2 Black Pantherlike whole 16th Mechanized Division.
  • 15 Brygada Zmechanizowana- operating one battalion of PT-91, same situation as with 9t Brigade.
  • 19 Brygada Zmechanizowana- in 2022 received some PT-91s for training in place of T-72s transferred to Ukraine, eventually like whole 18th Mechanized Division it is expected to be equipped withM1 Abrams(expected since 2025).
  • Centrum Szkolenia Wojsk Lądowych (Land Forces Training Center) –Poznań[9]
Polish PT-91 with ERAWA-2 ERA armour package during Saber Strike 18 training exercise held jointly with theUnited States Army.

Former units equipped with PT-91 Twardy:

At the introduction of PT-91, the intention of Polish General Staff was to equip all brigades of the 11th Armoured Cavalry Division with the PT-91. At the time, the division had four brigades: the 10th Armoured Cavalry, 15th Armoured Cavalry, 17th Mechanised, and 34th Armoured Cavalry.[citation needed]

In 2002, the 10th Armoured Cavalry brigade received Leopard 2A4 tanks donated to Poland by Germany. In 2007, the 15th Armoured Cavalry brigade was disbanded and the 17th Mechanised received the first KTO Rosomak. All these changes allowed the reallocation of PT-91s to other divisions, replacing the oldest T-72s. In early 2014, the 34th Brigade from Żagań received the first Leopard 2A5 tanks, shifting its PT-91s to the 9th Brigade in Braniewo, which previously used the T-72M1.[citation needed]

A typical Polish PT-91 tank battalion is equipped with 58 tanks, composed of four frontline companies with 14 vehicles each, and 2 tanks for the battalion commander and the battalion second in command. Every company of 14 tanks is composed of three platoons, with 4 tanks in each and 2 tanks for the company commander and company's second in command.[citation needed]

Before the start of the war in Ukraine, Polish Land Forces operated 4 battalions of PT-91 tanks. 3 battalions in 16th Mechanized Division (2 in 9th Armored Cav brigade, 1 in 15th Mechanized Brigade) and one battalion in 12th Mechanized Division (2nd Mechanized Brigade). Since the start of the war in Ukraine, Poland transferred most combat ready T-72s and at least one battalion of PT-91 to Ukraine. 2nd Mechanized Brigade lost its PT-91 tanks in one tank battalion completely, 34th Armored Cavalry lost all (combat ready) T-72s from its two battalions with no replacement. 19th Mechanized Brigade also lost all T-72s from two battalions but received some PT-91s from 9th Armored Cavalry and 15th Mechanized (making all 3 units understrength). 20th Mechanized Brigade is another unit that lost all its T-72s from its one tank battalion, but already received first K2 Black Panther tanks (two companies as of late 2023), it will have two battalions of K2,including one newly formed.[citation needed]

It is planned that 16th Mechanized Division (with 9th Armored Cavalry, 15th and 20th Mechanized Brigades) will be equipped with K2 tanks (during transition a mix of K2 and PT-91). 18th Mechanized Division (with 1st Armored, 19th and 21st Mechanized Brigades) is receiving M1 Abrams tanks that will replace Leopard 2 and remains of T-72. It is expected 11th Armored Cavalry Division (with 10th and 34 Armored Cavalry and 17th Mechanized Brigades) will continue to operate Leopard 2 tanks that undergo upgrade to Leopard 2 PL variant (in 10th Brigade) and will receive more Leopard 2 tanks from 18th Division that will be replaced by M1 Abrams (for 34th Brigade).[citation needed]

Malaysia[edit]

A PT-91M Pendekar of the Malaysian Army on display

In 2007–2009, Bumar Łabędy delivered to Malaysia 48 PT-91M and 15 supportvehicles(6 WZT-4 {WZT-91M}armoured recovery vehicle,3 MID-M {MID-91M}engineering tank,5 PMC Leguan {PMC-91M} -armoured vehicle-launched bridgeand one SJ-09 driver training tank),ammo,spares and support for US$370 million.[5][13]Operating capabilitywas reached 1 September 2010.[28][29]

Units equipped with PT-91M:

Rejimen ke-11 KAD is the sole user of PT-91M in the Malaysian Army.

Number of PT-91M delivered to Malaysian Land Forces each year[30]
2005 2006 2007 2008 2009
SP1 prototype for trials SP2 prototype for trials 6 24 18 + 15 support vehicles

Georgia[edit]

Upgraded Georgian army T-72SIM-1 tanks use the Drawa-T fire control system, a development of the fire control system on the PT-91. The FCS is equipped with laser range finder and thermal imaging sensor. The system is slightly different from the one used on Polish PT-91s: the commander uses an LCD screen instead of an eyepiece. The Thermal Elbow Sight thermal imaging sensor used in Georgian tanks is of the same (Israeli) origin as the one used on the PT-91, though the external housing is different.[31]

India[edit]

In April 1999,Indiaordered 44WZT-3armoured recovery vehicles, followed by orders in April 2002 (80 vehicles) and July 2005 (228 vehicles) for a total of 352 WZT-3s. These vehicles are used to support theT-72andT-90main battle tanks.[30]Deliveries began in 2001, and India was planning to upgrade itsAjeya Mk1tanks (local name forT-72M1) to Ajeya Mk2 standard, with some elements from PT-91, such as the Drawa-TE1 fire control system and the PZL-Wola S-1000 engine.[citation needed]

In October 2011, the Indian Defense Ministry announced that the state-owned BEML would produce an additional 204WZT-3armoured recovery vehicles – taking the total to 556 vehicles.[32]The Ministry also clarified that no global tender was floated because it was a repeat order.

Ukraine[edit]

In April 2023, at least 30 PT-91's were sent to Ukraine by Poland for support in the2023 Ukrainian counteroffensive.[33]The tanks are used by 22nd Mechanized Brigade, new brigade of Ukrainian Land Forces trained and equipped by Poland.[34]

As of January 2024, theOryxblog recorded the loss of five PT-91 tanks during the Russian invasion of Ukraine.[35]

Operators[edit]

A map of PT-91 operators

Current operators[edit]

30 PT-91
24 PT-91MA
113 PT-91MA1
60 PT-91MPendekar[36]
60 PT-91U[37]

Failed bids[edit]

References[edit]

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  13. ^abNowa Technika Wojskowa – October 2005 page 9 – Pierwsza prezentacja "Malaja" - by Andrzej Kliński
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  23. ^Nowa Technika Wojskowa – September 2008 page 26 – Most samochodowy MS-20Daglezja– by Michał Sitarski
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  29. ^"Ulang Tahun Kor Armour Diraja ke 58".YouTube. 2010-09-03.Archivedfrom the original on 2016-03-10.Retrieved2011-11-14.
  30. ^abNowa Technika Wojskowa – February 2009 page 10 – Malaj na finiszu – by Andrzej Kliński
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  33. ^"Ex-Polish PT-91 Twardy tanks in Ukraine".19 April 2023.
  34. ^"Ukraina: nowa brygada na czołgach z Polski".28 June 2023.
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External links[edit]