T-64BV vs T-72B: how to tell them apart

Two main battle tanks that are easy to mix up at a glance. Here is what tells them apart.

T-64BV

Main battle tank, Soviet Union. In service since 1985

What gives it away

Six small road wheels with return rollers above them and a thin track; low rounded turret with reactive armour.

Used by

Ukraine

T-72B

Main battle tank, Soviet Union. In service since 1985

What gives it away

Six large road wheels and a rounded cast turret, but older sights than the T-72B3: no large thermal-sight box on the turret roof.

Used by

Russia, Ukraine, Belarus, Syria and others

T-64BV · T-72B · All guides