The Lao People’s Armed Forces (LPAF) has received the first batch of upgraded T-72B1 ‘White Eagle’ main battle tanks from Russia. 

According to local media, a large batch of T-72B ‘White Eagle’ MBTs was delivered to Laos in the middle of December.

The new version of the Soviet legendary T-72 tank has a Kontakt-1 explosive reactive armour (ERA) kits, PN-72U Sosna-U gunner’s sight with a thermal imager and automatic target tracker, upgraded electronics and 12.7mm remote weapon station.

Russian media claimed that ‘White Eagle’ version of the legendary tank is currently in its capabilities is the best fighting machine in its price segment. Several dozen of these machines have already been purchased in Nicaragua, where they received the best estimate of the local military.

A few weeks ago, Laotian Defense Minister Lieutenant General Sengnuan Xayalat told Russian broadcaster Zvezda that the LPAF would receive Russian-made weaponry and platforms, including “new T-72 tanks” and Yak-130 aircraft.