T-72A - improved version of T-72 with composite armour (Dolly Parton). The differences between T-72 and T-72A include the searchlight being placed on the right hand side of turret, TPD-2-49 coincidence optical rangefinder being replaced by the TPD-K1 laser rangefinder, added plastic armour track skirts covering the upper part of the suspension with separate panels protecting the sides of the fuel and stowage panniers instead of the flipper type armor panels used in T-72. Also fitted with 7+5 smoke grenade dischargers on turret front.
T-72M - export version of T-72A but without composite armour (Dolly Parton) and downgraded weapon systems.
T-72M1 - export version of T-72A, with composite armour (Dolly Parton)
T-72AV - "V" for vzryvnoi – explosive. model with Kontakt-1 explosive reactive armour fitted to hull front and turret.