According to Russian media, after Vietnam's T-55 tanks were upgraded to the T-55M3 standard by Israel, these tanks underwent a complete transformation in both offense and defense.
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| Firepower: According to this source, the upgraded tank is equipped with a Vietnamese-made NSV 12.7 mm heavy machine gun, capable of engaging low-flying targets such as helicopters and UAVs. In battlefield conditions, the gun can also be lowered to engage enemy infantry and vehicles. |
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| However, the most formidable firepower of the modernized T-54/55M3 tank is the Israeli 105 mm M68/L7 rifled cannon. The L7 cannon can fire APAM rounds, or kinetic energy penetrator rounds, with heat shields, increasing both lifespan and accuracy. |
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| The cannon has a 105 mm caliber, slightly larger than the 100 mm cannon on the unupgraded T-54/55 tanks, but still sufficient for the tank's ammunition capacity. In addition, to enhance offensive firepower, the T-54/55M3 tank is also fitted with a coaxial 7.62 mm PKT machine gun. According to Lenta, this machine gun is also domestically produced in Vietnam. |
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| Vietnam's T-54/55 tank modernization program is supported by Israel, so it's not surprising to see a 60mm mortar mounted on the tank's roof. 60mm mortars are deployed on Israel's Mekava and Magach main battle tanks. Vietnam also domestically produces this type of mortar. With the support of the 60mm mortar, the tank can more effectively attack infantry hiding in fortifications, trenches, or even high-rise buildings. |
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| Based on publicly available images of prototypes, Lenta concluded that Vietnam's upgraded tanks are equipped with the MAWS6056B meteorological sensor manufactured by the Swiss company Idram. The MAWS6056B sensor provides meteorological parameters such as wind direction and speed, temperature, and atmospheric pressure to the gun's ballistic computer. Notably, the MAWS6056B sensor is considered state-of-the-art; even the advanced French Leclerc main battle tank uses this sensor. |
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| Defense System: Regarding the defense system, the tank is equipped with Israeli Blazer ERA explosive reactive armor. Both sides of the turret are fitted with V-shaped angled reactive armor to increase the dispersion of projectile penetration force, and the rear is fitted with cage armor. Overall, the T-54/55M3's turret design follows Western models and is considered to offer significantly higher defensive effectiveness compared to older turrets. |
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| According to the plan, the second-generation ERA (Explosive Reactive Armor) developed domestically by Vietnam will also be installed on "critical" areas of the tank, especially on the front of the turret and the front of the vehicle. |
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| To enhance the tank's survivability, the track system is also reinforced with sidewall armor, similar to the track protection on foreign tanks. The sides of the turret are also fitted with smoke grenade launchers (contained in large boxes) to release smoke for cover when the tank is targeted by enemy lasers or gunfire. |
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| According to Lenta's conjecture, the T-54/55M3 version is equipped with a new 1,000-horsepower diesel engine manufactured in Germany. With this engine, the tank's mobility will be significantly increased. The tank is also fitted with a Russian-made FCS fire control system, perhaps the only Russian-made component implemented on their upgraded tank. |
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| It can be said that the details regarding the weapon systems, defenses, engines, computers, etc., installed on the upgraded T-54/55M3 tanks demonstrate their effectiveness. During a 2011 exercise to test the upgraded weapons and equipment of the Ministry of Defense, the T-55M3 tank participated in firing tests and received high praise from military officials. Notably, the tank was able to fire while moving, and its turret rotation was faster than before. |
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| However, this is not the only upgrade package from Israel aimed at enhancing the T-54/55 that Vietnam could consider. Specifically, Israel has just unveiled a new upgrade package for various tank types, including the T-54/55, featuring the completely new TISAS fire control system. With TISAS, equipped tanks will increase combat effectiveness and productivity by providing combat data in both day and night conditions, and in poor visibility conditions, allowing for accurate first-shot engagements at long ranges. |
According to Baodatviet
