Vietnam Speeds Up T-54/55 Tanks Upgrade

11 Januari 2018

Upgrade of VPA's T-54/55 MBT (all photos : Soha)

Vietnam's T-54/55 tank upgrade program has now been completed and may have entered the deployment phase on a large scale.

The main battle tank (MBT) T-54/55 is still the backbone of the Viet Cong Army. Although we have ordered the most advanced MBTs, the T-90S, but since the numbers are small, it is not enough to replace the T-54/55 so upgrading old ones to better meet the requirements. Of modern warfare is still to do.

The first modernization model for the T-54/55 series, with the T-54M3 designation, was introduced long ago.

This tank carries weapons from Israel such as replacing the 100 mm D-10T2S with 105 mm M-68 cannon, meteorological sensors, modern telescopic sight and Infrared channel, accompanied by composite armor and explosive armor surrounding the turret.

But not long after, the T-54M3 program "evolved" into a new configuration as the replacement of the 105 mm gun was judged to be expensive.

Later versions of the T-54/55 retained the 100 mm D-10T2S, but were equipped with additional insulated guards to avoid heat-wave deformation after firing. Enclosed explosion-proof armor modules, intact electronic components such as the T-54M3.

Both domestic and foreign military experts say that the configuration is optimal for Vietnam's T-54/55 main battle tanks, meeting the requirement for enhanced firepower, The ability to work accurately while the price is acceptable.

In July 2017, the People's Online Online Newspaper published an article describing a number of improvements to the technical equipment that had been completed, such as the improved P-18 radar, BM21 Grad, armored vehicles ... and especially upgraded successfully T-54B tanks.

Most recently, a photo taken at the Z153 plant - where T-54/55 tank upgrades have been performed - shows that at least two tanks in the facility have completed the addition of gas. New talent.

Also in the report entitled Color TV Workers' Gauntlet, one can see that some others are located in various stages of upgrading.

This is different because the T-54/55 tanks have only been modernized individually so that the T-54/55 can be used to draw experience. Implementing work on multiple vehicles at the same time demonstrates the high possibility that the program has entered a large scale production phase.

The addition of hundreds of upgraded T-54/55 main battle tanks will create a reliable "companion" for the T-90S/SK, helping the VPA not fall behind. compared to other countries in the region and in the world.

(Soha)