At present, the modernized T-72 tanks and the T-90SA recently acquired in Russia are the basis of the striking power of the Azerbaijani ground forces, which, according to a number of characteristics, are currently the best versions of the "nineties" supplied abroad.
The Azerbaijani tanks T-72A, T-72M1, modified with the help of Israeli specialists, received the designation "Aslan" ("Lion"). This upgrade option is in many ways close to the Georgian T-72 SIM1. The main difference from the T-72A and T-72M1 was a significant improvement in sighting systems. In particular, thermal imagers appeared, thanks to which the gunner and commander of the vehicle were able to effectively conduct hostilities at night.
The digital ballistic computer, in addition to the range to the target, the type of ammunition and other characteristics, also began to take into account the data of the wind sensor, as a result, the accuracy of firing on the move increased.
The tank drivers also received their own thermal imaging devices for driving in night and low light conditions.
Instead of old Soviet radio stations, NATO-standard communication equipment was installed. A friend or foe sensor and a GPS navigation system were installed.
However, despite the impressive list of innovations, according to military experts, the modernized "Lion" did not meet modern requirements for a number of characteristics. For example, the insufficient level of protection - the tank is equipped with a first-generation reactive armor, which is completely ineffective against modern tandem cumulative ammunition and is absolutely powerless against subcaliber projectiles. An old 780 hp engine remained as the power plant, which does not provide acceptable mobility characteristics.
As a result, disenchanted with Aslan, the Azerbaijani armed forces decided to purchase a large batch of modern Russian T-90SA tanks, which began arriving in June 2013. In total, about a hundred of these combat vehicles were received.
These tanks have modern fire control systems with thermal imagers. To destroy enemy tanks at a distance of up to 5 km, it is possible to use guided missiles launched through the barrel. According to some reports, the tanks are equipped with automatic target tracking, which is not the case on the Russian T-90A.
Azerbaijan, in fact, became the first foreign state, the army of which massively purchased for its tanks optoelectronic suppression systems for high-precision weapons, again in a more advanced version than the Russian army has.
The presence of air conditioners greatly facilitates the work of the T-90SA crews in hot climatic conditions. This will significantly improve the living conditions for the crews. Unfortunately, tanks for the Russian army are not yet equipped with such air conditioners.
According to military experts, the Azerbaijani modernized T-72 and T-90SA are significantly superior to the tanks available not only in the Armenian army, but also in service with the Russian military base stationed in this region.
