According to the magazine's assessment, the T-72 is ranked high thanks to many factors, including protection capability, combat durability and maneuverability over long distances without frequent supplies. In addition, this model is also assessed as highly maneuverable, easy to upgrade and can handle many different tasks.
The article assesses that the T-72 meets the basic criteria of an effective tank on the battlefield. In addition, although modern weapons such as drones are increasingly widely used, the T-72 is still believed to continue to play a role in Russian military operations, including the conflict in Ukraine.
In the ranking, the US M1 Abrams tank ranked second, and the Israeli Merkava V ranked third.
The T-72 tank was put into use in the Soviet army from 1973. This model was developed by the design agency of the Uralvagonzavod factory, currently under the Russian Rostec Group. Over the decades, the T-72 has been upgraded into many different versions to improve combat capability and adapt to new combat conditions.
Currently, the T-72 is still one of the most widely used tank lines, with a presence in the armies of nearly 50 countries. Notable upgraded versions include the T-72A, T-72B, T-72BA, T-72B3 and the latest version is the T-72B3M.
The National Interest's ranking is built on many criteria such as combat effectiveness, operational sustainability, flexibility and strategic impact.
