The Czech Republic (Czechia) has been a staunch supporter of Ukraine since Russia launched its unprovoked invasion in February 2022. Throughout the conflict, Prague has supplied arms to Kyiv, while also upgrading and donating portions of its old fleet of Soviet-era tanks to the besieged nation. However, this week it was reported that many of the T-72s that were to be upgraded won’t be, primarily due to technical issues that can’t be readily resolved.

The upgraded T-72M4CZ is a modernized variant of the Soviet-designed T-72M. It was introduced in 2004, with its primary function to destroy an adversary’s tanks and other armored vehicles. 

The Czech Republic had pledged to send 30 T-72M4CZs, but the aging tanks were equipped with Italian-made fire-control systems that no longer function and can’t be repaired. Selex Galileo no longer produces the components for the system used to help the three-person crew aim the main battle tank’s (MBT) 125mm main gun. The only option for the Czechs would be to replace the entire fire-control system, which would be costly and time-consuming.

According to reports, the work on the 30 tanks would........

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