The T-80B main battle tank is a further development of the original T-80, which was produced only in small numbers. The T-80B is the first variant produced in quantity. It entered service with the Soviet army in the 1978.

   Protection of the T-80B was improved comparing with the T-80. It is also fitted with NBC protection and fire suppression systems.

   The T-80B is fitted with a fully-stabilized 125-mm smoothbore gun, which is also used to launched the 9K112 Kobra (NATO designation AT-8 Songster) anti-tank guided missiles in the same manner as ordinary rounds. The AT-8 has a semi-automatic radio guidance. This missile has a range of 100 - 4 000 meters, but can be fired when the tank is stationary only. It has a hit probability of 80%.

   Secondary armament consists of coaxial 7.62-mm machine gun and 12.7 MG mounted on top of the roof.

   The T-80B is also fitted with new fire control system, compatible with the AT-8 missiles.

   Further development of the T-80B was the T-80BV. It features radically improved protection. The T-80BV was accepted to service in 1985 and production began the same year. All operational T-80B MBTs were upgraded to the T-80BV level.

   The T-80BV has a composite armor at the front and is also fitted with explosive reactive armor and smoke grenade dischargers. The T-80BV is powered by a new GTD-1000TF gas turbine engine, developing 1 100 horsepower.

Variants

   T-80BK, command version of the T-80B, with additional communication equipment;

   T-80BV, T-80 with explosive reactive armor;

   T-80BVK, command version of the T-80BV, with additional communication equipment;

   T-80U, fitted with diesel rather than gas turbine engine;

   T-80UD, has gas turbine engine replaced by 1 100 hp diesel engine;

   T-80UK, command version of the T-80U;

   T-80U-M1 Bars, has Shtora-1 countermeasures system and more powerful engine;

   T-80U-M2, new cast turret.