SOURCE: AFI
The Indian Army’s T-72 Main Battle Tank (MBT), a stalwart of its armoured formations, has recently been spotted with significant defensive enhancements, as seen in the latest images circulating online. These upgrades include canopy slat or cage armour, ball-and-chain protection around the turret and rear, and additional armour tiles over the engine block. These modifications signal a pragmatic response to evolving battlefield threats, particularly in the context of modern anti-tank warfare and lessons learned from recent global conflicts.
One of the most visible upgrades in the latest images is the addition of canopy slat or cage armour over the turret. Often referred to as “cope cages” in military circles, this type of armour consists of a metal framework or slatted structure mounted above the tank’s turret. The primary purpose of slat armour is to disrupt the fusing mechanisms of top-attack munitions, such as ATGMs like the FGM-148 Javelin or kamikaze drones, which rely on shaped charges to penetrate the thinner top armour of tanks.
The canopy structure works by either detonating the incoming munition prematurely or deforming its warhead, reducing its penetration capability. While not a foolproof solution, it provides an additional layer of defence against threats that exploit the T-72’s relatively weaker top armour compared to its frontal glacis. The Indian Army’s adoption of this modification suggests a proactive approach to countering the proliferation of such weapons, especially in potential conflict zones like the Line of Actual Control (LAC) with China or the Line of Control (LoC) with Pakistan.
Another striking feature in the images is the ball-and-chain armour fitted around the turret and rear of the T-72. This unconventional addition involves dangling metal balls or weights attached to chains, creating a curtain-like barrier around vulnerable areas. The concept appears to be inspired by historical naval chain-shot or modern improvised designs seen in other conflicts, aimed at disrupting the trajectory or fusing of incoming projectiles, particularly rocket-propelled grenades (RPGs) and lightweight ATGMs.
The rear of the turret and hull, traditionally among the weakest points on most tanks, are prime targets for insurgents or enemy forces operating in ambush scenarios. The ball-and-chain setup may serve as a low-cost, low-tech countermeasure to these threats, potentially deflecting or destabilizing munitions before they can strike critical components. While the effectiveness of such a system in high-intensity combat remains unproven, its inclusion reflects the Indian Army’s willingness to experiment with field-expedient solutions to enhance survivability.
The latest images also reveal additional armour tiles placed over the engine block at the rear of the T-72. The engine compartment, housing the tank’s powerplant, is a critical component but often less protected than the crew compartment or frontal armour. A well-placed hit to the engine can disable the tank’s mobility, leaving it a sitting target for follow-up attacks.
The armour tiles appear to be a modular add-on, likely made of composite materials or spaced armour, designed to absorb or deflect the energy of incoming rounds. This upgrade suggests a focus on all-around protection, addressing vulnerabilities exposed in modern conflicts where tanks face threats from multiple directions, including drones, artillery, and infantry-carried anti-tank weapons. By reinforcing the engine block, the Indian Army aims to ensure that its T-72s can remain operational even under sustained attack, preserving mobility and combat effectiveness.
While these upgrades enhance the T-72’s survivability, they are not without drawbacks. The addition of slat armour, ball-and-chain systems, and engine block tiles increases the tank’s weight, potentially impacting its mobility and fuel efficiency—already a concern given the T-72’s 780 hp engine in high-altitude environments. The extra weight may also strain the tank’s suspension and drivetrain, leading to increased maintenance demands.
Moreover, these modifications are primarily defensive and do not address other limitations of the T-72, such as its dated fire control system (despite upgrades) or its autoloader design, which stores ammunition in a way that can lead to catastrophic explosions if penetrated. The Indian Army has explored more comprehensive upgrades in the past, such as the Combat Improved Ajeya (CIA) program, which included ERA, GPS navigation, and thermal imaging, but budget constraints and competing priorities have slowed progress.
NOTE: AFI is a proud outsourced content creator partner of IDRW.ORG. All content created by AFI is the sole property of AFI and is protected by copyright. AFI takes copyright infringement seriously and will pursue all legal options available to protect its content.