Uzbekistan begins upgrading its T-64 MBTs

The Uzbek army has begun upgrading its fleet of T-64 main battle tanks (MBTs) to the T-64MV standard following a series of successful user trials, the State Committee of the Republic of Uzbekistan for the Defense Industry said in a 23 July statement.

The upgrade includes the replacement of the MBT’s standard five-cylinder 700 hp 5TDF diesel engine with the 840 hp V-84 engine, which is used by the T-72 family of MBTs.

The change in engine brings the mobility of the T-64MV to the same level as that of the T-72 and enables it to operate in “all natural climatic conditions”, said the committee. These improvements have been achieved despite the addition of explosive reactive armour (ERA) to the turret and glacis, as well as an array of statistical protection to the sides of the hull.

The upgrade also includes the installation of a digital radio system.