Development work on the T-64B started in the early 1970s, with Soviet engineers conducting research on firepower improvements for the T-64. Specifically, they wanted to give the T-64 the ability to fire ATGMs through its main gun via a complex guidance system. This attempt succeeded and resulted in the construction of the Object 447A.

Beside the ability to fire “Kobra” ATGMs, the Object 447 also received a new gun stabilizer, a modernized autoloader and improved electronics. However, as the ATGM capability came at a high production cost, the decision was made to produce two separate versions of the improved T-64, one with and one without the ATGM capability. The two new tanks would be designated T-64B and T-64B1 respectively. The resulting high cost of the T-64B led to the fact that far more T-64B1s were manufactured due to their lower complexity and production cost. Throughout the years, T-64s were continuously being modernized and improved upon, incorporating many new features that would extend their capabilities and service life. It’s safe to say that the later modifications of the T-64 and its prototypes laid the foundation for new Soviet tanks to make their appearance, such as the T-72 and T-80. In fact, most of the improvements featured on these younger Soviet MBTs were initially tested on the T-64 chassis.