"Slovenia to arm Ukrainian forces with 28 M-55S tanks" Topic

Prime Minister Golob and Chancellor Scholz agreed to a joint action, so that the Ukrainian side will receive 28 Slovenian M-55S tanks. In return, Slovenia will obtain 40 German military transport vehicles, including 35 heavy 8x8 hook loaders and 5 heavy 8x8 water tankers.

Republic of Slovenia, 19. 9. 2022.

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IAPonomarenko

T-55S thread for those shocked that this is being sent. Ok 1st and foremost these tanks were updated by a Slovenian Company STo Ravne and engineers from Israeli ELBIT. This was a complete overhaul from new engines and transmissions increasing HP from 500 to 600HP in a tank that isn't very heavy to begin with appx 36 tons. The main gun is now a L7 105mm NATO standard with a thermal sleeve. A new breech is designed to speed firing having been developed by ELBIT.
The hull armor is greatly improved using Israeli Rafael ERA blocks that are …
3/n backed by composite armor of ELBIT design. Completely modern optics and thermal sights. Digital ballistic fire control computer with the gunner having a 2 axis stabilized sight with rangefinder. The commander cupola has the ability to lay and fire the gun independently of the gunner if need be. The driver also has state of the art optics. Here's the cool part. These tanks are equipped with laser illumination warning system. ie if it's being targeted by a ATGM or enemy tank that uses laser guidance it warns the crew and can independently fire smoke grenades to allow the tank to maneuver out of hostile weapons sight. All crew comms have been upgraded to allow clear communication. The tank tracks are completely new and have rubber blocks to facilitate road travel. So what does this all mean for the crews getting these tanks? Well they can engage T-72 on a pretty much equal playing field but most importantly the optics and gun stabilization guarantee that their 1st will be much more accurate. The 105mm L7 can do in a T-72 & I know this from 1st hand experience. Any APFSDS developed after 1985 will send that turret into orbit. Lately the Belgium company MECAR and Israeli IMI have developed rounds that Slovenia uses that match 120mm kinetics. So these upgraded T-55s are better than anything the Ukrs are fielding except for their T-84s and the Polish PT-91 Twardys.

George J Stathakis, Sep 19 2022.

Druzhina
Illustrations of Costume & Soldiers

Thanks for the info.

This is super interesting. I was skeptical about this, but reading about the tank makes me feel better. Now, if anyone has a model of it…

Damon.

I thought the same as Garand.
These will at least be a serviceable option.

Interesting MBT and history. I'm sure it will do fine in combat vs. the Russians. What is left of them.

The 105mm L7 an excellent HE round too.

That 105 was used in many NATO MBTs as well as the IDF. I know our M60A1s and M1IPs had them. IIRC it was even mounted in the M48A5s.