Slovenian tanks have switched between several units over the past two years but have not participated in major battles, according to media reports.

This is reported by the Slovenian magazine Demokracija, referencing the MilitaryLand website, which discusses the Armed Forces of Ukraine.

Initially, Slovenian tanks were part of the 47th separate mechanized brigade, but they were decommissioned before its deployment in 2023. After that, the tanks were transferred to another unit — Forbes speculates that this refers to a mechanized brigade, in which one of the tanks was allegedly hit.

In March 2024, the M-55S tanks were handed over to the 5th tank brigade, which was later restructured into a heavy mechanized brigade in December 2024. Due to the reorganization, the number of tanks in the brigade was reduced, and the Leopard 1A5 was designated as its main battle tank.

This time, Slovenian armored vehicles were assigned to the tank battalion of the newly formed 159th separate mechanized brigade. This is allegedly confirmed by a photo of the tanks published by the brigade commander, Colonel Alexander Demchuk, who congratulated the tank crews on Ukraine's Unity Day.

More about the M-55S tanks

The M-55S tanks that were in storage with the Slovenian army are a modernization of the Soviet T-55 tank, developed at the end of World War II. As noted by "Militarny," many countries that still have old Soviet tanks in service have modernized them. Slovenia carried out a deep modernization of its outdated T-55 tanks.

This was conducted jointly by the Slovenian company STO RAVNE and the Israeli firm Elbit. The last updated T-55 was delivered to the Slovenian armed forces in 1999. During the modernization, a new 105-mm gun with a thermal sleeve was installed. The tank was equipped with active armor, the elements of which are clearly visible on the hull and turret.

The fire control system was enhanced with the installation of a digital ballistic computer. A new Fotona SGS-55 sight with a laser rangefinder was also installed.

In late October 2022, Slovenia transferred 28 such tanks to Ukraine. The country also received 35 heavy trucks and five water tankers of German manufacture from Germany.