Isn’t the karrar a deep modernization for T-72?
This is the Karrar tank undergoing tests at the Doroud Tank Factory proving grounds. The Karrar utilizes the T-72's Hull but has a new all welded turret with Ceramic Laminate Armour inserts on the frontal arcs of the turret. Iran is capable of producing the Hull as well but its cheaper to convert the existing Hulls. The Explosive Reactive Armour is only partially mounted on this particular karrar. There are several differences between this example and the unveiled production model shown in 2017 that I notice is the presence of the original T-72 style tracks and headlights as opposed to the Western style tank tracks with rubber pad inserts and the LED headlights. The Shroud on the Main gun has been omitted and the stowage box mounted behind the turret looks larger on this one as opposed to the production model that was unveiled in 2017. This model has a Passive defense system against ATGMs using Semi Automatic Command to line of Sight (SACLOS) guidance System like TOW. There is also a Muzzle referencing system (not seen in above pictures) that is new for the Karrar.
Yes the Karrar is a deep modernization of the T-72MBT designed along the lines of the T-90MS Tagil MBT. It is in low level production for the IRI Army. It is powered by a 1000HP diesel engine. The Fire control System is a copy of the Italian TURMS-T that Iran got from Syria. The biggest hurdle in its mass production is lack of proper funding.
These series of photos were released in relation to the visit of the Iran's Minister of Defense Brigadier general Hatami of the Karrar production line at the Doroud Tank Factory owned by the Defense Industry Organization. The other T-72 upgrade program belongs to the IRGC and Uses a different ERA package similar to the Russian Contact-5 ERA while retaining the original T-72 Turret. The IRGC T-72 upgrades have been seen with and without a Remote Weapons station for the Crew commander's NSV 12.7mm heavy machine gun that is less sophisticated compared to the one mounted on the Karrar MBT. The IRGC T-72 upgrade seems to have a new indigenous Fire control system that is similar to the original 1A40 gunners sight in appearance, were as the Karrar uses a copy of the Italian TURMS-T fire control system with a more distinct gunner's sight seen in the pictures posted above. The IRGC T-72 upgrades have been seen in limited numbers with the Hashed Al-Shaabi Popular Mobilization forces in Iraq.
The Iranians have 2 interesting T-72 based variants.
Both the Karrar and the Rakhsh upgrades can be applied to any T-72 variant in Iranian service. Karrar only uses the T-72 Hull and there is basically not much difference between T-72M and T-72S hulls except for the engine which does not matter since the Karrar uses a new 1000 HP diesel engine. Below is a picture of T-72S MBTs upgraded to Rakhsh standard seen during the Hashed Al-Shaabi Popular Mobilization Forces Parade at the former MeK Camp Ashraf last week.The Iranians have 2 interesting T-72 based variants.
One for the T-72M1 (Rakhsh) and the other one for the T-72S (Karrar).
Karrar is in the end still an export T-72B (T-72S).
But you must remind yourself - the T-90 (Mod. 1992/93) is too only a T-72BU.
Iran has an asymetrical fighting style army.
IF they upgrade all their T-72M1 to this Rakhsh standard and especially all their T-72S to the Karrar one, they are "ok" for the next 2 decades. In the end of the day, Iran doesn't need many heavy mechanized/tank units.
From the point of quality they will not even close reach US standards etc. but more then enough for their "wildling" enemies.
PS:
ALL OF THIS FORUM must be remind that Iran has 2nd hardest sanctions and "piss on their legs from the outside" after Kimmi ma thick boi country NK.
Imagine what Iran could do if they would have the same position as Turkey.
Iran has no need to copy the 40+ year old Humvee design at this stage.
