Safir 74

The Type 72Z, also designated as the Safir-74, is an Iranian main battle tank developed by the Defense Industries Organization. First announced by the Islamic Revolutionary Guard Corps in 1996, the vehicle was produced by the Vehicle Industries Group to modernize and extend the service life of Type 59 and T-54/T-55 tanks within the Iranian military inventory.

The primary armament consists of an Iranian-produced derivative of the 105mm M68 rifled gun, which replaced the original 100mm gun. This weapon is capable of firing NATO standard ammunition and 9M117 Bastion anti-tank guided missiles. The integrated Slovenian Fotona EFCS-3-55 fire control system includes a ballistic computer, laser rangefinder, second-generation night sights, and both manual and automatic gun stabilizers. The commander's station is equipped with an independent viewer and target designation system.

Protection is provided by explosive reactive armor (ERA) developed by the Shahid Kolah Dooz Industrial Complex, intended to defeat projectiles and napalm-type weapons. Side track skirts are fitted to models equipped with ERA. Concealment is achieved through electric smoke grenade dischargers and a smoke screen system that injects diesel fuel into the exhaust outlet. The vehicle's mechanical systems include power steering, a fire suppression system, and a Ukrainian V-46-6 V-12 diesel engine mated to a SPAT-1200 transmission.

The tank is operated by the Ground Forces of the Islamic Revolutionary Guard Corps and the Islamic Republic of Iran Army. It is also utilized by the Sudanese military, which first purchased the vehicle in 2006. In Sudan, the tank is manufactured by the Military Industry Corporation under the designation Al-Zubair I and features a supercharged engine. Non-state operators include Kata'ib Hezbollah. The vehicle has seen combat during the Sudanese civil war and has been deployed in Iraq.