Croatian M-84 Tanks Appear in Ukraine

An interview with tankers of the 141st Mechanized Brigade recently revealed that the unit is fighting on M-84 tanks delivered by Croatia. This marks the first confirmed public appearance of the vehicle in Ukraine.

Croatia announced in October 2024 its intention to send 30 M-84 tanks along with 30 M-80A infantry fighting vehicles. In exchange, Zagreb expected to acquire up to 50 Leopard 2A8 tanks at a reduced price.

The M-84 tanks delivered to Ukraine have been equipped with anti-drone protection, electronic warfare systems, and explosive reactive armor. Notably, the variant in service is the modernized M-84A4 Snajper. Compared to the baseline M-84, this version features a laser warning receiver, a meteorological sensor, and an upgraded fire-control system. The M-84 itself is a Yugoslav modernization of the Soviet T-72M1.

The interviewed tankers themselves are newly mobilized servicemen. One driver admitted he had never operated a car before mobilization. This reflects an ongoing trend: since 2023, freshly mobilized personnel have often been assigned modernized or brand-new equipment as a means of motivation, while experienced crews and veterans are left to make do with whatever vehicles they can salvage.

Source: Zaporizhzhia News