The T-72M4CZ tank modernization project for the Czech army is at risk of being closed due to irreparable problems. This was reported by Novinky in connection with the press service of the Ministry of Defense. According to the ministry, key components of the fire control system cannot be repaired or replaced, which makes the combat vehicles unusable. As the release notes, the control tests required to fulfill the contract were performed in the summer and fall, but none of the series of tests were successful. The biggest difficulty comes from improving and fine-tuning the system to ensure accurate shooting. The reason is that there are many errors in the operation of individual electronic components that, according to the Italian manufacturer, cannot be restored. The Czech Ministry of Defense pointed out that for the tank to be fully operational, additional investments are required to update the fire control system. This would significantly increase the cost of the project and result in a delivery delay of at least two years, which is considered uneconomical. The decision to modernize about 30 T-72M4CZ tanks was made even before the start of the conflict in Ukraine and before the German proposal to transfer Leopard 2A4 tanks to Prague. At that time, modernization was considered the only way to maintain the combat effectiveness of the fleet of outdated armored vehicles due to lack of funds to buy new vehicles, Novinky noted, Radiotochka NSN reported.
