Congolese Army receiving upgraded T-64BV-1 Main battle Tanks from Ukraine

August 4, 2017 Ekene Lionel D.R.C, Tanks

Twenty-five modernized T-64BV-1 MBTs was delivered to the Democratic Republic of Congo Army in 2016 which a total of 50 units was signed. This batch of the T-64 is a recently upgraded variant of the highly potent tank also known as the T-64B1M which was fitted with the Nozh Explosive Reactive Armor (ERA) that can protect against tandem charge shaped warheads and can also reduce the penetration of Armor-Piercing, Fin-Stabilized, Discarding Sabot (APFSDS) tank round by 90%.

According to the State Company “Ukrspecexport”, Congo signed a contract for repair and supply of 50 Ukrainian tanks T-64BV-1 in 2014. The T-64 is a complex, expensive which is why the former Soviet Army reduced the number to be acquired, replacing them with the simpler T-72s. Will the DRC Army be able to operate and support those T-64s?

The T-64BV-1 is a recent Ukrainian upgraded of the T-64B1 tanks. The first batch of upgraded T-64BV-1 tanks should have been delivered in 2014, but the due ongoing military conflict in Ukraine, tanks were delivered to Ukrainian armed forces instead.

The T-64BV-1 is armed with a 125-mm smoothbore gun. It is fitted with an automatic loader. Maximum effective range of fire is 2 500 m at daytime and up to 1 500 m at night. A total of 37 rounds are carried for the main gun. The T-64BV-1, as its predecessor, lacks the capability to launch anti-tank guided missiles.