Although it was introduced in March 2017, this is the first time the Karrar MBT has been deployed in a simulated battle in the field.
On December 22, during the Payambar-e Azam 17 (The Great Prophet) exercise, the ground forces of Islamic Revolution Guards Corps Ground Force has demonstrated a domestic advanced tank, the Karrar MBT. Karrar is known as an upgraded version of the Soviet-made T-72 tank. Although it was introduced in March 2017, this is the first time the tank has been deployed in a simulated battle in the field.
Karrar is a generation of tanks with modern technology from Iran. The tank used by the IRGC Ground Force is equipped with a camouflage system which provides concealment against thermal infrared radar detection. It is also furnished with an electro-optical fire control system, laser rangefinders, and a ballistic computer.
The Karrar is essentially a clone of the Russian-designed T-90S MBT and is reportedly far more advanced than the Zulfiqar, an Iranian main battle tank based on the American M48 and M60 and Soviet T-72 tanks. In 2016 Russia’s Uralvagonzavod announced that it would allow Iran to license-build the T-90S main battle tank domestically once restrictions on technical cooperation were lifted. However, Tehran had other ideas – and Karrar was born.
The Karrar tank is equipped with a new gun stabilizer and chemical defense systems, and was conceived as a weapon for modern warfare. The Karra was stated to have a crew of three, would feature composite armor with Explosive-Reactive Armor panels on both the turret and hull, just like the T-90. Its main armament is a 125mm 2A46M smoothbore gun with a stabilizer for its main armament. There is a remotely-controlled weapon station, armed with a 12.7 mm machine gun.
The hull and turret are fitted with new add-on explosive reactive armor kit. Externally it resembles Russian Relikt explosive armor of new generation. Though it looks like the Iranian armor is different. Anyway it should be superior to the ageing Kontakt-1 explosive reactive armor kit, used on the T-72S tanks. Lower side of the hull is protected by rubber skirts. Rear parts of the hull and turret are covered with cage armor. The Karrar is fitted with NBC protection and automatic fire suppression systems.
The tank has got new sights and fire control system. It is fitted with a panoramic commander’s sight and new gunners sight. The main sight was reportedly produced by Slovenian company Fotona. Also the Karrar retains original sight of the T-72S. Its sights and fire control system are clearly superior to those of the T-72S.
Most likely that Karrar is fitted with a diesel, developing around 1,000 to 1,200 hp. It is also possible that engines for these new Iranian tanks were supplied from Russia. The tank is fitted with a built-in blade for self-entrenching. Vehicle can prepare itself a defensive emplacement without the help of other military engineer vehicles.
