page_title: T-72 operators and variants
section_title: Former East Germany
hierarchical_section_title: T-72 operators and variants / Variants / Former East Germany
caption_attribution_description: For documentary purposes the German Federal Archive often retained the original image captions, which may be erroneous, biased, obsolete or politically extreme. Berlin, 39. Jahrestag DDR-Gründung, Parade ADN-ZB / Mittelstädt / 7.10.kb / Berlin; Jahrtestag - Ehrenparade Mit einer Ehrenparade der NVA in der Karl-Marx-Allee wurden die Feierlichkeiten zum 39. Jahrestag der Gründung der DDR eingeleitet. Zu sehen waren u.a. Panzersoldaten aus der Division "Heinz Hoffmann" mit ihren modernen T-72.
context_page_description: The T-72 is a Soviet-designed main battle tank that entered production in 1971. It replaced the T-54/55 series as the workhorse of Soviet tank forces. In front-line Russian service, T-72s are being upgraded or augmented by the T-90. The T-72 has been exported and produced in many countries.
context_section_description: T 72M – This designator was not only used for the standard T-72M, but also for 75 basic T-72s that were upgraded by RWN in 1986. These tanks (Kampfpanzer) were fitted with rubber side skirts, smoke grenade launchers "Tucha" and the additional 16 mm steel plate on the upper glacis plate.
  T 72M "Übergangsversion" – East-German army designator for 23 late-production T-72Ms from Poland, fitted with the additional hull armour. Delivered in 1986.
  T 72(K) and T-72(K1) – East-German army designators for command tanks (Führungspanzer).
  T 72TK – East German designation for VT-72B (BRAM-72B). The vehicle was planned to enter service with NVA in 1990, but only one was actually handed over to IB-9 (Instandsetzungsbatallion 9) at Drögeheide (Torgelow). Two others were still in Grossenhain (Central tank workshop near Dresden) on 3 October 1990. At this place the tanks got fitted with relevant NVA kit and the cranes were tested/certified.
  BLP 72 (Brückenlegepanzer) – The East-German army had plans to develop a new bridgelayer tank that should have been ready for series production from 1987 but after several difficulties the project was canceled.
  FAB 172M or FAP 172U (Fahrausbildungspanzer) – Driver training vehicle. Three vehicles were made by using the chassis of the cancelled BLP 72 project.
caption: T-72Ms on parade in East Berlin, 1988
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