The Type 72Z (also known as the T-72Z and the Safir-74,^[5] and the Al-Zubair I in Sudan)^[4] is a highly modernized version of the Type 59 and T-54/T-55 tanks with upgrades carried out by the Iranian Defense Industries Organization.^[3]

The tank is not to be confused with an Iraqi modernization also known as T-72Z, said to carry a 125 mm gun.^[6]

The Type 72Z was first announced in 1996; the tank was first produced in the same year.^[7][8] The upgrades to the Type 59 and T-54/T-55 tanks were carried out by the Vehicle Industries Group of the Defence Industries Organization, in order to extend the service life of tanks already in use with the Iranian army.^[3]

Around 400 are in service.^[5]

The 100mm gun of the T-55/Type 59 was replaced with an Iranian-produced derivative of the 105mm M68 gun, capable of firing 9M117 Bastion anti-tank guided missiles as well as NATO standard ammunition.^[3][4][9] Its co-axial and anti-aircraft machine guns are retained.^[10] The Slovenian Fotona Electronic Fire Control System (EFCS-3-55) was added, with automatic and manual gun stabilizers, a laser rangefinder, second-generation night sights, a ballistic computer, and an independent viewer and target designation system for the commander.^[3][4][11]

Electric smoke grenade dischargers were also added to provide concealment on top of the existing ability to create a smoke screen by injecting diesel fuel into the left exhaust outlet.^[3][4][12] Explosive reactive armor (ERA) developed by the Shahid Kolah Dooz Industrial Complex can be fitted to the Type 72Z, providing protection against projectiles and napalm-type weapons. Side track skirts similar to those on the Type 59 were added to T-54/T-55 tanks upgraded with ERA.^[3][11]

The engine was replaced with a Ukrainian 780 hp V46-6 diesel engine,^[4] together with the SPAT-1200 transmission system.^[3] Air conditioning, power steering and a fire suppression system are also believed to have been installed.^[12]

The upgrades installed on the T-55s/Type 59s would increase their survivability in the battlefield.^[13]

• Safir-74 - Iranian T-54/T-55 tanks which have gone through similar upgrades.^[11] Safir means "messenger" in Persian.^[14] A mine-clearing variant was reported to be in use in Sudan.^[15]
• Al-Zubair I - Sudanese variant of the Type 72Z manufactured by the Military Industry Corporation,^[16] with the engine upgraded with a supercharger.^[17]

• Iran
  • Ground Forces of the Islamic Revolutionary Guard Corps^[2]
  • Islamic Republic of Iran Army Ground Forces^[2]
• Sudan: First purchased in 2006.^[18]