The T-72M is a further development of the T-62 tank and as a replacement for the expensive T-64A. Initially envisioned as a cheaper, more reliable downgrade intended for mass production, the T-72 eventually grew into a formidable tank that formed the backbone of the Warsaw Pact tank fleet. Unlike their Western counterparts, export variants of USSR tanks are typically downgraded "monkey models". Likewise, the T-72M is the downgraded variant of the T-72A, intended for export.
The T-72M boasts the highest armor rating in the game, at 2300 armor. This means that it is very hard to take down one on your own. While the T-72M can shred through ground vehicles & infantry, it is vulnerable to airborne targets, as the T-72M does not have guided missiles.