(This article first appeared in February.)
A Ukrainian T-84 main battle tank (MBT) has reportedly arrived at the Yuma Proving Ground, Arizona, but for what exact purpose it isn’t entirely clear, although it is likely to familiarize American soldiers with the platform. It wouldn’t be the first time the Ukrainian-built variant of the Soviet T-80 MBT has been seen at an American military proving ground for testing and training.
In 2003, the U.S. military obtained four of the Ukrainian tanks, which apparently underwent tests at the U.S. Army Aberdeen Test Center in Maryland. Moreover, these latest reports simply confirm that the T-84, an upgraded version of the Soviet-era T-80UD, is (or at least was) at Yuma.
Secret Is Out? Did a Ukrainian T-84 Arrive in Arizona For Testing?
It is common for Yuma to acquire foreign-made vehicles to train U.S. troops, and it seems likely that the Ukrainian military would have provided a tank for testing/training purposes.
A Ukrainian T-84 main battle tank (MBT) has reportedly arrived at the Yuma Proving Ground, Arizona, but for what exact purpose it isn’t entirely clear, although it is likely to familiarize American soldiers with the platform. It wouldn’t be the first time the Ukrainian-built variant of the Soviet T-80 MBT has been seen at an American military proving ground for testing and training.