A final batch of upgraded T-72 tanks has been supplied to the Armed Forces by Russia’s flagship tank and fighting vehicles maker Ualvagonzavod.

The souped-up version of the Soviet-designed main battle tank that entered production in 1971 is virtually invulnerable now, boasting ballistic add-on armor protection against RPGs and weapons of mass destruction, as well as an automatic fire detection and explosion suppression system.

Thermal gunner night sights are available which allow night launches of ATGMs.

The list of upgrades also includes a more powerful engine, better overall protection, a better gun and a modern multichannel ginner sight — all bringing the veteran fighting machine up to par with modern-day armored combat requirements.

Designed and built by Uralvagonzavod, the T-72 is considered by many experts as the best mass-produced tank of the second half of the 20th century. The T-72 and its modifications are currently produced on license (and without) in many countries around the world.

The T-72 is armed with a 125 mm smoothbore cannon with guided missile firing capability.

The cannon comes in tandem with a 7.62 mm Kalashnikov machinegun and a turret-mounted heavy antiaircraft machinegun.

The 41-ton T-72 is powered by a multi-fuel V-12 air-cooled 840 hp engine that can run on three types of fuel: diesel, gasoline and kerosene.

Two 200-liter auxiliary fuel drums can be fitted on the rear of the hull. The T-72 can be fitted with a snorkel for deep fording, and takes about 20 minutes to prepare for amphibious use.