Main battle tank BM “Oplot” at the XVI International Exhibition “Arms and Security-2021” in Kiev.
The Ukrainian main battle tank BM Oplot, which the Pentagon ordered in 2018, left for the United States three years later. The shipment coincided with a visit by US Secretary of Defense Lloyd Austin to Kiev. The car was prepared for shipment to the Malyshev Plant. This tank was made a long time ago and over the past year has taken part in several shows to the military of other countries.
What is a tank like?
Oplot is a Ukrainian modification of the Soviet T-80 tank. The vehicle differs from its predecessor T-84 by a new fire control system, a commander's sight, an original welded turret, side screens, built-in reactive armor and the Varta optical-electronic countermeasures system. “Oplot” received a 6TD-2E engine with a capacity of 1200 horsepower.
The tank is designed to defeat ground and low-flying air targets in conditions of enemy fire resistance. This combat vehicle can perform a wide range of tasks in various climatic, meteorological and road conditions at temperatures from minus 40 to plus 55 degrees.
Why did the United States need a Ukrainian tank?
Earlier, experts suggested that in this way the American side gets acquainted with Ukrainian technologies, in particular with the prospect of buying weapons. Presumably, experts need to disassemble equipment, conduct tests, check security parameters, visibility in various ranges (electronic, optical, infrared).
It should be added that this is not the first time that the United States has ordered modern models of military equipment in Ukraine, both Soviet ones left after the collapse of the USSR, and those developed already in the days of independence. It is known that the US military previously purchased T-80UD tanks, Su-27 fighters, and 36D6 radars.
Issue price
The tank cost the American customer $ 7 million. It is believed that the Pentagon received the most modern modification of the car – so to speak, a complete set. So, “Oplot”, created for the company “Ukrspetsexport”, was estimated at 3 million dollars, and the cost of one tank “Oplot-T” for Thailand was 4.9 million dollars.
History of creation
The history of the tank is not deprived of adventure. For example, in August one of the three Oplot tanks participating in the rehearsal of the parade in Kiev broke down. The car was evacuated for repair. The tank stalled on one of the central streets, and puddles of process fluid appeared under the engine compartment of the car. The spilled liquid smells like fuel, but the military who repaired the car declined to comment.
Initially, the passage of three tanks BM “Oplot” was planned in the mechanized convoy. Two cars were hastily assembled specifically for the parade.
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