A successor to the T-55, the T-62 like its predecessor, was the backbone of Soviet and Warsaw Pact armored divisions for many years. Although very similar to the T-55, the new Soviet “Main Battle Tank” incorporated notable improvements in terms of its armor, aiming systems and above all with the main weapon system. The T-62 was in fact equipped with the new 115 mm high-speed smooth-bore gun. Innovative for the period, it was able to use a wide range of munitions which were capable of penetrating the armor of the main battle tanks deployed by the N.A.T.O. alliance. The tank entered service in the early ‘60s and was used in its various versions by both the Soviet Union and its allies. The tank has been deployed in a variety of military conflicts ranging from Afghanistan to the Middle East.