M-95 Degman

Main battle tank



The M-95 Degman main battle tank is a further development of the Yugoslavian M-84

Entered service -
Crew 3 men
Dimensions and weight
Weight 44.5 t
Length (gun forward) 10.14 m
Hull length ?
Width 3.59 m
Height 2.19 m
Armament
Main gun 125-mm smoothbore
Machine guns 1 x 7.62-mm, 1 x 12.7-mm
Elevation range - 6 to + 13 degrees
Traverse range 360 degrees
Ammunition load
Main gun 42 rounds
Machine guns 2 000 x 7.62, 360 x 12.7
Mobility
Engine diesel
Engine power 1 000 hp
Maximum road speed 70 km/h
Range 700 km
Maneuverability
Gradient 58%
Side slope 40%
Vertical step 0.85 m
Trench 2.6 - 2.8 m
Fording 1.2 - 1.8 m
Fording (with preparation) 5 m


The M-95 Degman main battle tank is a further development of the Yugoslavian M-84 MBT, which in turn is a version of Soviet T-72. The M-95 Degman was introduced in 1995, hence it's designation. Tanks upgraded to the M-95 Degman standard are designated as the M-84D.

The main Degman's improvement over it's predecessor is an application of new armor package. Explosive reactive armor blocks are mounted over the original composite/steel armor.

Vehicle is fitted with a 125-mm smoothbore gun, completed with an autoloader. This gun is made in Croatia and is slightly improved comparing with the Soviet 125-mm tank gun of the T-72. The M-95 Degman has a rate of fire in 8 rounds per minute and fires three types of ammunition, including AP-FSDS, HEAT and HE projectiles. Autoloader holds 22 rounds, while the rest are stored in the combat compartment.

Secondary armament consists of coaxial 7.62-mm machine gun and a roof-mounted 12.7-mm MG.

This new main battle tank also has a number of changes in fire control system, sensors, observation devices, night vision and communication equipment, targeting system and so on.

Vehicle has a crew of three, including commander, gunner and driver.

The M-95 Degman main battle tank is powered by a turbocharged diesel engine, developing 1 000 horsepower. As refurbished M-84Ds weight more than the brand new M-95 there is also an optional 1 200 hp diesel power pack. This MBT is fitted with a self-entrenching blade.

Currently only two M-95 Degmans are built. Croatia plans to upgrade it's M-84 tank fleet to the M-84D standard. It is possible that the M-95 will be further upgraded in the near future. In 2007 Kuwait is negotiating with Croatia to upgrade 150 of it's ex-Yugoslavian M-84 main battle tanks and to manufacture another 66 vehicles.