T-72 Soviet Second-Generation Main Battle Tank

T-72 Soviet Second-Generation Main Battle Tank The T-72 is a Soviet second-generation main battle tank that entered production in 1971. About 20,000 T-72 tanks were built, making it one of the most widely produced post–World War II tanks, second only to the T-54/55 family. The T-72 was widely exported and saw service in 40 countries and in numerous conflicts. Improved variants are still being built for export customers. Uralvagonzavod produced the first prototype with 125-mm gun and V-45K engine in 1968 as