Warriors of the Armed Forces of Ukraine captured the T-80BVM tank of the 2022 model, which is characterized by "demodernization" by significantly simplifying the fire control system and sights. Instead of the well-known the Sosna-U thermal sighting system, which used French-made thermal imaging matrices, a less technological 1PN-96МТ-02 sight is installed on it.
This sight, in its first version, was developed by the Vologda Optical and Mechanical Plant in the early 2000s and was intended for installation on light armored vehicles. This sight then underwent several stages of upgrade and at early 2020s was unsuccessfully offered for the modernization of the T-62 for further sale for export.
Read more: Russia to Start the Production of the T-72B3 Model 2022: Less Sight, More Armor
But in the conditions of sanctions, it became the main one for all modernized russian tanks. Currently, in addition to the T-80BVM, this sight is installed on the T-72B3 tanks.
The main mystery at the moment remains what components the Russian sight 1PN-96МТ-02 is made of, and especially what kind of thermal imaging matrix is installed there. Considering the fact that the Russian Federation currently needs a lot of such sights, which, as it were, should provide its own production, it is not excluded that this sight can be imported into the Russian Federation almost in a finished form.
The answer to the question of the country of origin of the main components will give an opportunity to influence the further possibility of stopping these supplies, and, finally, the ability of the Russian Federation to modernize old tanks that are being removed from long-term storage. Even if this country turns out to be China, it will provide an opportunity to significantly influence the process of supplying Russia with these critically important components. The fact is that all the largest manufacturers of thermal imagers in China are public companies whose shares are listed on the stock exchange, and such "advertisement" will not have a positive impact on the market value of the shares of these companies....
It is also not necessary to reject the option that the source of supply of thermal imaging matrices may be another country, in particular some Western companies, whose products are purchased through so-called "parallel import". But in any case, a detailed analysis of the design features of the "Russian" tank sight 1PN-96MT-02 will make it possible, at least, to make it more difficult for thermal imaging matrices to reach the Russian Federation, and with this - to equip Russian tanks with night sights.
Read more: Russia's T-80BVM Tanks Are Equipped With the Night Sights Supposed For the T-62M
