In the expansive and challenging terrains of Mongolia, two dominant battle tanks hold sway: the T-72 and the T-55 battle tanks. These formidable machines, representing strength and endurance, have served as the cornerstone of the Mongolian Armed Forces for a considerable period. This article delves into the captivating realm of these extraordinary military marvels, delving into their origins, capabilities, and the crucial part they play in protecting Mongolia’s independence.
The T-55 And The T-72
The T-55, a main battle tank originally designed in the Soviet Union, is currently being utilized by the Mongolian Armed Forces. Developed between 1955 and 1958 at the Uralvagonzavod plant, the T-55 was an upgraded version of the previous T-54s, featuring full NBC protection. With its widespread usage, the T-54/T-55 tank series has been employed by over 50 countries and has served as the foundation for various specialized armoured vehicles. Production estimates for this series range from 96,500 to 100,000 units. While the Soviet and Russian armies have replaced them with newer tank models such as the T-62, T-64, T-72, T-80, and T-90, the T-55 remains in service with approximately 50 other armies worldwide, some of which have undergone advanced retrofitting.
The T-72, a main battle tank originally designed in the Soviet Union, is currently being used by the Mongolian Armed Forces. It belongs to the T-72 family, a lineage of Soviet main battle tanks that began production in 1969. The T-72 was developed as an alternative to the T-64, which faced challenges due to its high costs and reliance on immature technology. Over 25,000 T-72 tanks have been manufactured, and through refurbishment, many have remained in service for several decades. This tank has been extensively exported and has been utilized in 40 countries and various conflicts. On December 9, 2015, Mongolia received a shipment of Russian military equipment, including T-72A main battle tanks, as part of the military and technical assistance provided by the Russian Federation.