The ongoing war in eastern Ukraine remains intense as frontlines shift and new territories come under fire. Both Ukrainian and Russian forces continue to use — and often seize — each other's equipment on the battlefield.
Restored and Used by Ukraine
These captures have become increasingly common, particularly amid heavy fighting. Just last month, journalist Mateusz Tomczak reported that a Ukrainian brigade captured a rare Russian T-90S tank. Now, another prized capture has joined Ukraine’s arsenal: a T-72B3.
In the recent operation, Ukraine’s 35th Marine Brigade managed to seize a Russian T-72B3 tank in the Kurakhove area.
According to the military-focused outlet Militarnyi, Ukrainian forces captured the tank following an assault where the Russian crew was neutralized with FPV (First-Person View) drones, according to WP.
A logistics battalion then successfully retrieved the tank from the battlefield.
A Ukrainian soldier involved in the operation shared that the tank would be “restored and then used by Ukrainian crews against the occupiers,” emphasizing Ukraine’s strategy of repurposing seized Russian equipment to strengthen its own forces. Footage of the captured T-72B3 tank has circulated online, illustrating the significance of this acquisition.
An Important Tank
T-72B3 tanks have landed in Ukrainian hands before, but each capture adds a valuable piece to Ukraine’s military resources. The T-72B3 is a modernized version of Russia’s older T-72B tank, entering service in 2011 with key updates.
Originally outfitted with French-made Catherine-FC thermal imaging cameras, this model now includes the Russian-made 1PN-96MT-02 thermal sight.
The upgraded tank also supports more advanced armor-piercing ammunition with an extended penetrator from the “Svinets” series.
Beyond enhanced firepower, the T-72B3’s improved armor provides better defense against attacks—a crucial feature in the fast-evolving combat environment.
The captured T-72B3 reportedly also includes additional protective features, increasing its battlefield resilience.
The T-72B3 has played a significant role in Russia’s armored forces, becoming one of the most utilized tanks in their inventory.
A 2021 report estimated that Russia held around 1,150 of these tanks. With wartime demands, Russia has accelerated its T-72B3 production, now estimated at approximately 30 tanks per month.
