The Oplot-M, or the BM Oplot, stands as Ukraine’s most advanced main battle tank, blending modern firepower, protection, and mobility to address contemporary battlefield challenges. Engineers developed the Oplot-M as an evolution of the T-84, building on the legacy of the Soviet T-80UD while incorporating cutting-edge technologies. They armed it with a 125mm KBA-3 smoothbore gun capable of firing an array of ammunition types, including high-explosive anti-tank (HEAT) rounds, armor-piercing fin-stabilized discarding sabot (APFSDS) shells, and guided missiles like the Kombat, which can engage targets at distances up to 5 kilometers. An automatic loader enables the tank to maintain a high rate of fire, reducing crew workload. To ensure survivability, the Oplot-M relies on the Duplet Explosive Reactive Armor (ERA), which protects against tandem-charge warheads, and the Zaslon Active Protection System (APS), which intercepts and neutralizes incoming projectiles.

The Oplot-M’s design incorporates a modern fire-control system with thermal imaging, a laser rangefinder, and a panoramic commander’s sight, providing superior situational awareness and precision targeting, even in low-visibility conditions. The tank’s advanced composite armor reinforces its protection against kinetic and chemical energy rounds. At the same time, its 6TD-2E turbocharged diesel engine generates 1,200 horsepower, delivering a top speed of 70 km/h on roads and excellent maneuverability over rugged terrain. The tank also includes auxiliary systems like an air conditioning unit, an overpressure NBC (nuclear, biological, and chemical) protection system, and modern communication equipment, enhancing its operational effectiveness in diverse environments.

Engineers developed the Oplot-M primarily for export and Ukrainian service, but geopolitical and economic constraints limited its production and deployment. Thailand became the first significant export customer, receiving several Oplot-M tanks for a military modernization program. In Ukraine, the Oplot-M has played a symbolic role, showcasing the country’s technological capability amidst the ongoing conflict with Russia. Although Ukrainian forces predominantly rely on older Soviet-era tanks like the T-64 and T-72 due to logistical considerations, the Oplot-M highlights the potential for future modernization of the Ukrainian armored fleet.

Compared to other modern main battle tanks, the Oplot-M competes with vehicles like the Russian T-90M, which emphasizes upgrades in firepower and protection, and the German Leopard 2A7, which focuses on modular armor and crew survivability. The American M1A2 Abrams, known for its depleted uranium armor and robust logistical support systems, offers a different design philosophy, prioritizing long-term sustainability in high-intensity conflicts. The French Leclerc stands out with its lightweight design and autoloader, emphasizing speed and efficiency over heavy armor.

While the Oplot-M has not yet engaged in large-scale conflicts, it reflects Ukraine’s intent to field a tank capable of countering advanced threats, including Russia’s T-14 Armata and heavily upgraded T-72B3s. By focusing on modernized protection, firepower, and versatility, Ukraine has positioned the Oplot-M as a symbol of its determination to maintain a competitive and self-reliant military force in the face of evolving threats. The Oplot-M serves as a national defense tool and represents Ukraine’s ambition to become a significant player in the global arms market.