Russia Unveils Lethal Shahed-236 Drone, While India Revamps T-72 Tanks for Global Export

Today’s world military (September 21, 2024) has the following content: Shahed-236 attack UAV appeared for the first time in Russia; India modernizes T-72 tanks for export purposes; Italy sends additional SAMP/T air defense systems to Ukraine.

* India modernizes T-72 tanks for export purposes

India has planned to modernize its Russian-origin T-72 tanks for export purposes, especially targeting potential buyers in Africa, the Middle East and East Asia. The dual life extension plan for the T-72 tanks will be carried out by Indian and Russian technical experts.

The Indian Army currently operates around 2,500 T-72 tanks, which have been the main battle tank of the Indian Army since they were introduced in the 1970s. Demand for the tanks remains strong, especially from countries in Africa, the Middle East and Southeast Asia. Many countries have expressed interest in purchasing T-72s as India gradually replaces them with more advanced models.

India modernizes T-72 tanks for export. Photo: Flickr Channel Cell105

Production of T-72 tanks in India began in the 1980s at the Heavy Vehicles Plant at Avadi, near Chennai. The plant, which previously produced T-90 tanks, will also be used to modernize T-72 tanks for export purposes.

Despite its age, the T-72 is still highly regarded for its reliability and durability. This battle tank is equipped with a 125mm main gun, anti-aircraft guns and machine guns. It can reach speeds of 60km/h on the road and 35km/h on rough terrain, and is capable of wading through water up to 1.2m deep.

In addition to the T-72, the Indian Army also operates about 1,000 T-90 tanks and about 100 indigenous Arjuns. Despite modernization efforts, the T-72 remains the most numerous vehicle in the Indian Army’s arsenal.

If this initiative is successful, India could explore the export potential of other Russian-origin military vehicles, such as the BMP-2 infantry fighting vehicle, which is also being upgraded. Modernizing the T-72 for export could be a new opportunity for India to expand its presence in the global defense market, offering cost-effective solutions to countries in need of reliable armored vehicles.

* Shahed-236 attack UAV first appeared in Russia

Iran’s Shahed-236 attack unmanned aerial vehicle (UAV), equipped with an optical guidance system, has been unveiled in Russia, marking an important step forward in cooperation between Russia and Iran on UAV technology, Army Recogition reported, citing Russia’s RIA Novosti news agency.

Accordingly, during a visit to the Special Technology Center in St. Petersburg, Russian President Vladimir Putin was introduced to new developments and existing Russian-made unmanned systems, such as the Zala Lancet and Orlan-10. In particular, RIA Novosti’s video recorded the image of a black Shahed-236 UAV, which has a similar design to the famous Shahed-136 attack UAV, but the nose is equipped with an additional optical system that allows automatic target search while providing the operator with the option of manually guiding the UAV.

The Shahed-236 has a similar design to the famous Shahed-136 attack UAV, but the nose is equipped with an additional optical system.

Sources said that the main technical characteristics of this new UAV are still similar to the previous version Shahed-136. Shahed-236 is 3.5m long and has a wingspan of 3m, a take-off weight of 250kg, and carries a warhead weighing up to 50kg. Equipped with an internal combustion engine driving a propeller, this UAV can fly within a range of 2,000km, fly at an altitude of about 4.5km, have a flight time of 12 hours, and a cruise speed of 170km/h.

Earlier this year, Militarnyi published a large-scale analysis of leaked files related to technology transfer and UAV trade between Russia and Iran. The documents also revealed intentions to localize the production of a new product in Russia.

The leaked documents say that the Shahed-236 is capable of night flights and hitting predetermined targets with an accuracy of 3 to 5 meters. The documents also reveal that the estimated value of each Shahed-236 is around $900,000, significantly higher than the $193,000 paid for the Shahed-136 in 2022.

* Italy prepares to transfer SAMP/T air defense system to Ukraine

Italian Foreign Minister Antonio Tajani recently said that at the end of September, the country will send another SAMP/T air defense missile system to Ukraine to protect hospitals and schools.

Earlier in June, Italy promised to send another SAMP/T system, the only European-made air defense system capable of intercepting ballistic missiles, to Kyiv.

Known as one of the most advanced air defense systems in Europe, the SAMP/T system is a joint effort between France and Italy. The sophisticated system uses Aster 30 missiles and is designed to protect important sites from a variety of threats, including ballistic missiles, aircraft and UAVs.

What makes the SAMP/T stand out is its mobility, allowing for rapid deployment in a variety of combat situations. The system is capable of engaging targets up to 100km away and at altitudes of up to 25km.

SAMP/T stands out for its mobility, allowing for rapid deployment in a variety of combat situations. Photo: Getty Images

In addition to the SAMP/T, Italy has also provided Ukraine with additional defense equipment, including light armored vehicles, anti-tank missiles and electronic warfare systems. The government has stressed that all of these weapons are for defensive purposes only.

Earlier this week, Italian Defense Minister Guido Crosetto announced that the Italian Armed Forces had ordered 10 more SAMP/T air defense systems. This important move underscores Italy’s determination to strengthen its own defense capabilities.

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