Tanks

T-64BV

Also known as
  • T-64BV model 2017
  • T-64BV model 2022
  • T-64BV 1K
  • T-64BV 2022 modernization

The T-64BV is the Kontakt-1-equipped face of the Soviet T-64 lineage in Ukrainian service. Ukraine kept the type relevant with 2017 and 2022 modernization packages, so older hulls remained usable in the 2014 Russia-Ukraine War.

T-64BV, Main battle tank, Tanks
Image source: Wikimedia Commons T-64BV image

Role in Conflicts

Ukrainian Modernization Path

The T-64BV stayed relevant in Ukrainian service because modernization focused on practical survivability, sighting, navigation, and communications improvements instead of replacing the tank outright.

VariantWhat changedWhy it matters
T-64BVKontakt-1 explosive reactive armor on the Soviet-era BV package.Gives the tank a survivability jump over the base T-64B family.
T-64BV model 2017Updated observation, navigation, radio, and fire-control equipment.Shows a Ukrainian refit path for older hulls already held in service.
T-64BV model 2022New surveillance and sighting units, rear bar armor, fuel-tank protection, and communication changes.Connects the legacy tank to wartime requirements without changing the basic platform.
T-64BV 1KCommand-tank modernization with improved digital communications.Extends command work while preserving a tank that can still fire in frontline roles.

Sources: T-64BV Main Battle Tank; Ukrinform upgraded T-64 tanks; Defense Express T-64BV 2022 modernization; Defense Express T-64BV 1K report.

Profile / Specs

Profile

Origin
Soviet Union / Ukraine
Type
Main battle tank
Service note
Soviet legacy, Ukrainian upgrades
Designer
Alexander Morozov / KMDB
Designed
1985
Produced
1980s
Developed from
T-64B

Specifications

Crew
3
Armament
125 mm 2A46M-1 smoothbore gun; 7.62 mm coaxial machine gun; 12.7 mm commander machine gun
Weight
About 42.5 t
Mobility
About 60 km/h road speed; 500-700 km range depending fuel fit
Protection
Composite armor with Kontakt-1 explosive reactive armor; 2022 Ukrainian refits add rear bar armor and fuel-tank protection
Modernization
Ukrainian 2017 and 2022 refits add thermal/night sights, navigation, digital radios, and communication upgrades
Timeline

T-64BV Key Events

  1. BV variant appears

    The T-64BV enters service as a T-64B modernization with Kontakt-1 explosive reactive armor.

    Sources: T-64, T-64BV Main Battle Tank

  2. Ukraine fields model 2017 refits

    Ukraine develops the T-64BV model 2017 with updated sighting, digital radios, revised smoke launchers, and related fire-control changes.

    Sources: Ukrinform upgraded T-64 tanks, T-64

  3. Model 2022 modernization is tested

    Ukroboronprom announces testing of the T-64BV model 2022 modernization at Kharkiv Armored Plant.

    Sources: Defense Express T-64BV 2022 modernization

  4. T-64BV 1K appears in a wartime report

    Ukraine's defense media shows the T-64BV 1K command-tank modernization in a wartime report, with Defense Express describing its drive-and-shoot firing role.

    Sources: Defense Express T-64BV 1K report

Media

T-64BV Videos

T-64BV Images

T-64BV, Main battle tank, Tanks - view 1
Source: Wikimedia Commons T-64BV side image
T-64BV, Main battle tank, Tanks - view 2
Source: Wikimedia Commons T-64BV model 2022 image
Related Weapon Systems
AKMS, Folding-stock 7.62x39mm assault rifle, Infantry WeaponsInfantry WeaponsAKMSFolding-stock 7.62x39mm assault rifleThe AKMS is the under-folding-stock member of the Soviet AKM assault-rifle family, retaining the stamped receiver, long-stroke gas system, select-fire controls, and 7.62x39mm chambering while shortening the rifle for airborne troops, vehicle crews, and compact carry. Conflict Armament Research and ARES documentation places AKMS-family rifles in Islamic State stocks around Kobane and in a 2022 Ukrainian police seizure from an alleged Russian saboteur, showing how older Kalashnikov-pattern rifles remain visible in modern war.
BTS-4, Tracked armored recovery vehicle, Support EquipmentSupport EquipmentBTS-4Tracked armored recovery vehicleThe BTS-4 is a Soviet tracked armored recovery vehicle family built around tank-hull recovery work: towing disabled armor, winching stuck vehicles, lifting heavy components, and supporting field repair teams. Ukrainian and Western reporting describes upgraded BTS-4 vehicles with T-54/T-55 hull lineage, a front crane, dozer blade, and heavy winch package, while visual-loss records document BTS-4-family vehicles on both sides of the Russia-Ukraine War and one BTS-4 captured from Syrian regime forces in 2024.

Sources

T-64BV Main Battle TankPublisher: Army Recognition | Note: Supports baseline T-64BV specifications and background. | Accessed: 2026-06-30T-64Publisher: Wikipedia | Note: Supports T-64 lineage, baseline service history, and designation context. | Accessed: 2026-06-30Ukrinform upgraded T-64 tanksPublisher: Ukrinform | Note: Supports Ukrainian T-64 modernization and supply context from Ukroboronprom reporting. | Accessed: 2026-06-30Defense Express T-64BV 2022 modernizationPublisher: Defense Express | Note: Supports T-64BV model 2022 modernization details from Kharkiv Armored Plant and Ukroboronprom context. | Accessed: 2026-06-30Defense Express T-64BV 1K reportPublisher: Defense Express | Note: Supports 2014 Russia-Ukraine War direct-use context for Ukrainian T-64BV 1K tanks and the 2022 command-tank modernization. | Accessed: 2026-06-30Attack on Europe: Documenting Ukrainian Equipment Losses During the Russian Invasion of UkrainePublisher: Oryx | Note: Supports 2014 Russia-Ukraine War direct-use context: T-64BV tanks used by Ukraine are documented among Ukrainian destroyed, damaged, abandoned, and captured equipment. | Accessed: 2026-06-30Attack on Europe: Documenting Russian Equipment Losses During the Russian Invasion of UkrainePublisher: Oryx | Note: Supports 2014 Russia-Ukraine War direct-use context: T-64BV tanks used by Russia and pro-Russian forces are documented among Russian destroyed, damaged, abandoned, and captured equipment. | Accessed: 2026-06-30Wikimedia Commons T-64BV imagePublisher: Wikimedia Commons | Note: Supports image provenance for the primary T-64BV gallery image. | Accessed: 2026-06-30Wikimedia Commons T-64BV side imagePublisher: Wikimedia Commons | Note: Supports image provenance for the side-view T-64BV gallery image. | Accessed: 2026-06-30Wikimedia Commons T-64BV model 2022 imagePublisher: Wikimedia Commons | Note: Supports image provenance for the Ukrainian T-64BV model 2022 gallery image. | Accessed: 2026-06-30