3 of the STRANGEST T-34 Variants in History

Описание: The T-34 is one of the most iconic tanks of the Second World War — but its story didn’t end in 1945. Long after more modern armor replaced it in Soviet and Warsaw Pact service, the T-34 continued to appear in conflicts around the world, often in some truly bizarre forms.

As newer tanks entered service, hundreds of surplus T-34-85s were exported to allies across the Middle East, Africa, and Asia. Countries like Egypt, Syria, and Yemen inherited these aging machines and, lacking modern equipment or spare parts, adapted them in unconventional ways. Some of those adaptations pushed the limits of practicality — and safety.

In this video, we take a look at three of the strangest T-34 variants and uses ever documented. From improvised self-propelled artillery mounting 122 mm howitzers on old tank chassis, to tanks so dangerous to fire that crews used lanyards to trigger the gun from outside the turret, these machines show just how far wartime improvisation can go.

We begin with the T-122, an unusual attempt by Syria and Egypt to convert surplus T-34-85s into mobile artillery platforms. While the Syrian versions saw combat during the Yom Kippur War, the Egyptian variant appears to have remained experimental — possibly abandoned due to recoil and stability issues.

Next, we explore the infamous “ripcord T-34s” seen in Yemen during the 2010s. With original 85 mm ammunition long out of production, crews resorted to reloaded and improvised shells, fired remotely for safety. These tanks, relics of World War II, found themselves fighting in a modern battlefield filled with guided missiles and main battle tanks.

Finally, we look at the SU-100, a tank destroyer built on the T-34 chassis that also found renewed — if limited — service in Yemen decades after it should have disappeared from history.

These vehicles may have been obsolete, outmatched, and dangerous to operate, but they remain fascinating examples of how old weapons can take on strange new lives in modern conflicts.

If you enjoy obscure armored vehicles, forgotten variants, and strange battlefield improvisations, this one’s for you.