PT-91: Poland’s Hybrid Tank on the Ukrainian Battlefield

The PT-91, Poland’s first domestically developed main battle tank, is a unique hybrid that fuses Soviet-era chassis with cutting-edge European technology. Based on the T-72, the PT-91 introduces significant upgrades to mobility, fire control, armor, and defense systems, making it a formidable asset on the modern battlefield. In this video, we explore how the PT-91 has proven its worth in the Russo-Ukrainian war, where it has been deployed by Ukraine in large numbers. With its compatibility with Soviet ammunition and relatively quick adaptation period, the PT-91 offers practical advantages over Western tanks like the Leopard 2 or M1 Abrams. While the PT-91 retains the 125mm gun of the T-72, its improvements—like the “Drawa-T” fire control system and reactive armor—help it stand up against Russia’s T-90 and other contemporary armored vehicles. We’ll delve into the tank’s enhanced night fighting capabilities, improved firepower, and robust defense features, such as the Erawa-1 and Erawa-2 reactive armor, laser warning systems, and fire suppression systems. We also discuss the challenges faced by the Ukrainian military, including maintenance issues and limited spare parts for these aging tanks.