Polish and Ukrainian defence companies have unveiled the new PT-17 main battle tank prototype during the MSPO-2017 defence exhibition. The new tank is an upgraded version of the Soviet T-72 MBT with NATO-standard ammunition.

Polish Zaklady Mechaniczne “Bumar – Labedy” S.A. and Ukrainian concern “UkrOboronProm” have agreed to a deal to jointly develop upgraded versions of the T-72 main battle tank (MBT) in April 2017. For the implementation of this project, UkrOboronProm has begun integration of the best Ukrainian technological developments: it has developed and supplied autoloader, a new engine, transmission, new 120mm main gun, fire control system, a system of dynamic protection, a demonstration tower.

Main purposes of modernization:

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Increasing firepower and fire maneuver modernization;

Increasing survivability on battlefield;

Increasing mobility;

Increasing crew working comfort and extend mission duration.

The PT-17 is equipped with a 1,000 hp power pack, which includes an S-1000R engine. The manufacturer has stated that a 1,200 hp power pack is available as an optional upgrade.

The PT-17 tank is equipped with 120mm smooth-bore gun KBA-2 and autoloader for gun loading with fixed ammunition manufactured by the Ukrainian firm Kharkov Morozov Design Bureau. In order to be able to use 120mm NATO-standard fixed ammunition, the automatic loader of the gun is installed in an isolated self-contained compartment in the turret bustle. The level of armour protection of the automatic loader compartment is analogous to that of the Leopard and Abrams tanks.

The total allowance of ammunition of the tank includes 40 rounds, of which 22 are positioned in the automatic loader.

The PT-17 is equipped with the OBRA-3 system of laser warning receivers, which are linked to the vehicle’s smoke grenade launchers, and bar armour has been fitted over the turret bustle.