M-95 Degman image - Tank Lovers Group

The M-95 Degman main battle tank is a further development of the Yugoslavian M-84 MBT, which in turn is a version of Soviet T-72. The M-95 Degman was introduced in 1995, hence it's designation. Tanks upgraded to the M-95 Degman standard are designated as the M-84D.

The main Degman's improvement over it's predecessor is an application of new armor package. Explosive reactive armor blocks are mounted over the original composite/steel armor.

Vehicle is fitted with a 125-mm smoothbore gun, completed with an autoloader. This gun is made in Croatia and is slightly improved comparing with the Soviet 125-mm tank gun of the T-72. The M-95 Degman has a rate of fire in 8 rounds per minute and fires three types of ammunition, including AP-FSDS, HEAT and HE projectiles. Autoloader holds 22 rounds, while the rest are stored in the combat compartment.

Secondary armament consists of coaxial 7.62-mm machine gun and a roof-mounted 12.7-mm MG.

This new main battle tank also has a number of changes in fire control system, sensors, observation devices, night vision and communication equipment, targeting system and so on.

Vehicle has a crew of three, including commander, gunner and driver.

The M-95 Degman main battle tank is powered by a turbocharged diesel engine, developing 1 000 horsepower. There is an optional 1 200 hp diesel power pack, as refurbished M-84Ds weight more than the brand new M-95. Vehicle is fitted with a self-entrenching blade.

Currently only two M-95 Degmans are built. Croatia plans to upgrade it's M-84 tank fleet to the M-84D standard. It is possible that the M-95 will be further upgraded in the near future. In 2007 Kuwait is negotiating with Croatia to upgrade 150 of it's ex-Yugoslavian M-84 main battle tanks and to manufacture another 66 vehicles.

Source: Military-Today.com