Ukrainian-Made Oplot-M Tanks and BTR-3E1s Spotted in Action in Thailand: Here’s What We Know

The Royal Thai Army has deployed Ukrainian-made T-84 Oplot-M main battle tanks and BTR-3E1 armored personnel carriers during its recent military operations along the border with Cambodia, marking the first recorded combat use of these systems by Thailand.

According to The Bangkok Insight, the T-84 Oplot-M tanks were involved in a July 24 engagement near the disputed Preah Vihear area, a region of ongoing tension between Thailand and Cambodia.

The tanks reportedly supported infantry units advancing near Wat Kaeo Siharatsavararam, an area of strategic elevation close to the Preah Vihear temple complex.

This marks the first known instance of the Oplot-M being used in direct combat by a foreign operator.

Thailand originally ordered 49 BM Oplot-T tanks from Ukraine in 2011, with deliveries completed in 2018. The tanks are deployed across four cavalry battalions stationed in Prachinburi, Bangkok, Nakhon Ratchasima, and Phitsanuloke.

Built by the Kharkiv Morozov Machine Building Design Bureau, the T-84 Oplot-M is Ukraine’s most advanced main battle tank, derived from the Soviet-era T-80UD.

It features a 125 mm smoothbore cannon, thermal imaging systems, digital fire control, Duplet explosive reactive armor, and the Varta active protection suite. The tank is powered by a 1,200 or 1,500 horsepower diesel engine, enabling speeds of up to 70 km/h.

In parallel, Thailand has also deployed BTR-3E1 armored vehicles, also produced in Ukraine. Footage verified on July 25 shows the vehicles operating near the Poipet–Khlong Lek border crossing.

The BTR-3E1s are equipped with the BM-3 “Shturm” turret, featuring a 30 mm ZTM-1 automatic cannon and mounts for Barrier-V anti-tank guided missiles.

Thailand began receiving the BTR-3 series in 2006, eventually ordering more than 230 units in various configurations, including command, medical, and mortar carrier variants.

Deliveries to the Royal Thai Army and Navy have continued under multiple contracts, with final assembly and some localization occurring in Thailand.

The fleet includes models outfitted with European components such as MTU engines, FN Herstal machine guns, Thales optics, and LITEF navigation systems.

Both the Oplot-M and BTR-3E1 have been tested in multiple environments and are configured to operate under diverse climatic and terrain conditions.

Earlier, Ukraine confirmed that its domestically developed Delta battlefield management system may be exported to a NATO member state. Designed for real-time situational awareness, drone coordination, and digital command operations, Delta has already been tested for NATO compatibility during CWIX exercises.

Ukrainian officials noted the system was built under wartime conditions, making it more agile and cost-effective than legacy Western platforms.

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