BM Bulat is Ukraine's deep T-64B modernization, centered on Nozh explosive reactive armor, improved fire-control equipment, and an uprated powerpack. It equipped the 1st Tank Brigade before the Donbas war and remains documented in Ukrainian front-line service, including later examples with additional anti-drone protection and mobility work.
ArmyInform describes the 1st Tank Brigade's Bulat-equipped battalions deploying to Luhansk in July 2014 and fighting around Luhansk airport, Donetsk airport, and Debaltseve; 2026 Army TV coverage showed a Bulat of the 1st Separate Heavy Mechanized Siver Brigade still performing front-line combat tasks.
Role detailsThe Bulat package adds built-in Nozh explosive reactive armor and supplementary armor around the hull and turret.
Sources describe improved sighting and fire-control equipment over older T-64B-family tanks, while retaining a three-person crew and autoloaded 125 mm main gun.
The standard modernization used an 850 hp 5TDFM engine; 2026 coverage of a brigade tank described a more powerful 6TD engine and Oplot-derived gearboxes on an upgraded example.
The Bulat name is used for Ukrainian T-64B/BV modernization packages rather than a new-build tank family; later reports distinguish standard T-64BM Bulat tanks from scarce T-64BM2 or re-engined examples.
| Variant | Configuration | Designation notes |
|---|---|---|
| T-64BM Bulat | Baseline Ukrainian Bulat modernization | UNIAN describes the Malyshev-built BM Bulat as a deep T-64B modernization with improved mobility, protection, and firepower. Sources: UNIAN Malyshev Bulat delivery |
| T-64BM2 | Scarce upgraded Bulat-related variant | Defense Express reports that T-64BM2 examples received 6TD-1 engine and transmission work in 2020-2021, while warning that a 2026 1st Brigade tank may be an upgraded standard Bulat rather than evidence of a broad re-engining program. |
Ukraine's Defense Ministry and Malyshev Plant signed a contract to modernize 29 T-64 tanks into T-64BM Bulat tanks under a two-year program.
Sources: Kyiv Post Malyshev Bulat contract
Malyshev completed and shipped a ten-tank BM Bulat batch to active Ukrainian army units under a 2009 contract.
Sources: UNIAN Malyshev Bulat delivery
ArmyInform describes the 1st Tank Brigade, with two Bulat-equipped battalions, moving to Luhansk region in July 2014 and fighting around Luhansk airport before later Donetsk and Debaltseve deployments.
Sources: ArmyInform 1st Tank Brigade Bulat service
Espreso reported that Malyshev returned 50 repaired BM Bulat tanks to Ukrainian forces after combat service in eastern Ukraine.
Sources: Espreso Bulat repair return report
Defense Express reported fire trials of an updated T-64BM2 with a 6TD-1 engine and modified engine-transmission compartment.
Sources: Defense Express T-64BM2 fire trials
Mezha summarized Army TV footage of a Bulat used by the 1st Separate Heavy Mechanized Siver Brigade for combat missions, including crew comments on Nozh protection, improved sights, anti-drone add-ons, and mobility changes.
Sources: Mezha Bulat front report
