The T-80UD is a Ukrainian-produced main battle tank that forms a critical part of the Pakistan Army’s armored corps. It is a variant of the famous Soviet T-80 family, but with a significant difference: it is powered by a more conventional and fuel-efficient 1,000 hp 6TD-1 diesel engine, in contrast to the gas turbine engine used in other T-80 variants. This makes the T-80UD more suitable for long-term operations and logistics in the challenging operational environment of Pakistan. The tank retains the classic Soviet tank design, with a three-man crew and a carousel-style autoloader for its main gun. Its primary armament is a powerful 125mm KBA-3 smoothbore gun, which is a formidable weapon capable of firing a wide range of ammunition. A key feature of the T-80UD is its ability to fire the 9M119M Reflex (AT-11 Sniper) laser-guided anti-tank missile from its main gun. This capability provides the tank with a crucial standoff range of up to 5 kilometers, allowing it to engage targets from beyond the effective range of many conventional tank guns. The T-80UD’s protection is provided by a combination of conventional steel and composite armor, along with a layer of built-in Kontakt-5 explosive reactive armor (ERA) that provides enhanced protection against both kinetic energy and shaped-charge projectiles. The tank’s relatively low profile and powerful armament make it a formidable and agile opponent on the modern battlefield, and it continues to serve as a key component of Pakistan’s armored forces.
- Type: Main Battle Tank (MBT)
- Armament: 125mm KBA-3 smoothbore gun with autoloader
- Engine: 6TD-1 diesel, 1,000 hp
- Armor: Composite armor with Kontakt-5 ERA
- Crew: 3
- Weight: 46 tons
- Speed: 60 km/h on road
- Operational Range: 560 km
- Key Features: Diesel engine for improved fuel economy, capable of firing laser-guided anti-tank missiles, and advanced ERA protection.
