A tank battalion from the 4th Army Brigade of the Serbian Armed Forces is currently engaged in regular training activities to improve its operational capabilities with the M-84 tank. This ongoing training, taking place in the brigade’s peacetime training areas and exercise grounds, is designed to maintain and refine the skills necessary for both offensive and defensive operations.
The M-84 is a main battle tank designed to perform high-intensity combat and support missions in various military environments. (Picture source: Serbian MoD)
The training includes tactical and shooting exercises, focusing on preparing the tank crews for live-fire drills. Lieutenant Vladimir Vozarević, a platoon leader at the tank company, detailed the scope of the maneuvers, emphasizing that the tank units are currently revisiting the management of individual and collective weapons, carrying out essential commands such as “ready to march” and “ready to fire,” as well as forming a marching column. These tasks are meant to ensure that the crews revise and solidify their prior training.
Training activities are not limited to the base but extend to advanced tactical drills conducted at Pasuljanske Livade and Orešac, where the complexity of the maneuvers increases. The battalion is preparing for more difficult scenarios and diverse firing practices, ensuring that every crew member is proficient in their specific role.
A tank crew consists of three members: a commander, a gunner, and a driver, each with distinct responsibilities. Corporal Miloš Filipović, an M-84 tank driver, highlighted the essential role of the driver, who is responsible for operating the tank, maintaining its undercarriage, and ensuring the proper functioning of the vehicle’s engines and systems. Drivers also assist the commander and gunner in loading ammunition, ensuring the tank remains combat-ready at all times.
Corporal Marko Ljubić, an M-84 tank gunner, explained the intricacies of his role, which involves operating the tank’s powerful 125 mm cannon, along with the 12.7 and 7.6 mm fixed machine guns. Corporal Ljubić shared his experiences firing at Pasuljanske Livade, underscoring the challenges and responsibilities of his position, but also the immense satisfaction of handling the tank’s formidable firepower. His duties require absolute precision when firing at distances of up to 1,500 meters and beyond 3,000 meters, using instantaneous explosive rounds.
The M-84 is a main battle tank that was introduced in 1984. It is designed to perform high-intensity combat and support missions in various military environments. This tank has a crew capacity of three, with each member playing a specific role: the commander, the gunner, and the driver. One of the notable aspects of this model is its robust design and impressive dimensions. The M-84 is 6.86 meters long, 3.57 meters wide, and 2.19 meters high, with a total weight of 42,000 kg, enabling it to move across different terrain while offering adequate protection against enemy threats.
One of the main features of the M-84 is its armament, which includes a 125 mm main gun capable of firing a wide range of munitions. The gun can be adjusted on a 360° traverse, providing flexibility in targeting. The elevation range of the gun is also impressive, extending from +13º 47′ to -6º 13′, allowing the tank to engage targets at varying distances and from different angles. This tank has been widely used in various conflicts and is still in service in several countries, including Bosnia and Herzegovina, Croatia, Kuwait, Serbia, and Slovenia.
Originally produced in Yugoslavia, the M-84 continues to be an essential part of the arsenal of many countries, where it has proven its worth on the battlefield. With approximately 500 units still in service, this tank remains a strategic asset for the armed forces of the nations that use it, providing both significant firepower and advanced protection against modern threats.
This ongoing commitment to training reflects the 4th Army Brigade’s dedication to ensuring its tank drivers are always prepared for the challenges of modern combat. Through rigorous exercises and realistic simulations, the brigade continues to enhance its operational readiness and strengthen its contribution to national defense.
