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Nicaragua has received a batch of Russian T-72B1 main battle tanks (MBT), according to a source in the Russian defense industry.
"About 20 T-72B1 MBTs were delivered to Nicaragua in June 2016. The remaining tanks are supposed to be supplied by the year-end. The Latin American country is planned to receive a total of 50 T-72B1 tanks," the source said.
He added that the T-72B1 MBTs would likely be issued to the mechanized infantry brigade named after General Augusto Sandino. The unit is stationed near the country`s capital, Managua. "The tanks will significantly beef up the Nicaraguan Armed Forces` combat capabilities," the source emphasized.
The T-72B1 tank (unofficially dubbed 'White Eagle') has received the PN-72U Sosna-U day/night gunner`s sight. The commander`s seat is equipped with the PKP-72 Sokolinyi Glaz (Falcon`s Eye) panoramic sight integrated with a third-generation thermal imager.
T-72B1 features an automatic target tracking device, a chassis information-management system, a remote controlled anti-aircraft station with 12.7mm NSVT Utes heavy machinegun, an auxiliary power unit (APU), and a GPS/GLONASS navigation system. The tank`s 125mm 2A46M gun is equipped with a stabilizer. T-72B1 has received ageing Kontakt-1 explosive reactive armour (ERA) developed in the mid-1980s.
Source: Tass.com
