Slovakia has launched a €1.2 million fundraising drive to purchase a T-72 tank (T-72M1 upgrade) along with ammunition for the Ukrainian Armed Forces. The fundraiser was organised by Gift for Ukraine, and the main partner of the fundraiser is the Embassy of Ukraine in the Slovak Republic.
According to the organisation’s official website, the amount raised will be paid to an arms manufacturing company, after which the tank will be handed over to the Armed Forces of Ukraine. A Slovak arms company will modernise the tank, and the Embassy of Ukraine in the Slovak Republic will organise the transport of the T-72 to Ukraine. So far, almost €45 thousand has been raised.
According to the organisers of the training camp, the package will also include 125 mm ammunition for the T-72. The tank will be put into service with the Armed Forces of Ukraine and will be used to fight the Russian occupation forces. The expected date of delivery is September 2023.
“The goal is to help Ukraine in its fight against the brutal Russian aggression. Slovakia must send a clear message to its friends in Ukraine that we can help them defend themselves. The psychological and moral support of Ukrainian citizens by the Slovak public is also important,” the description of the collection reads.
The T-72M1 tank is a heavy fighting vehicle manufactured in Slovakia at the Martin plant. It has a 125 mm smoothbore gun and a 12.7 mm coaxial machine gun. The tank is equipped with a high-precision guidance and aiming device and automatic loading, which ensures high rate of fire. The machine gun has sights that allow it to fire on air and ground targets. It also has an underwater propulsion system for overcoming water obstacles, a smoke screen and a fire extinguishing device. The ammunition is 125 mm high-explosive fragmentation rounds for the T-72.
It is currently undergoing modernisation at a Slovakian arms manufacturer. The T-72 is to be fitted with ERA protection – reactive armour to reduce the effectiveness of enemy shells. It is also planned to improve the accuracy of firing, install some sensors, including night vision, navigation, radio equipment, increase engine power, replace the clutch, transmission and other parts of the combat vehicle. The tank and ammunition will be equipped in accordance with the requirements of the Armed Forces of Ukraine.
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