DEGMAN ÌÂÒ brings out successfully accomplished combination of tank M-84 and modern trends and solutions. Basic good properties of tank M-84 are kept: low silhouette, small mass, high density power train and powerful main armament. Implementing of advanced gun fire controls with thermal imaging sights and MCS, improved turret drives, RRAK explosive reactive armour, protection systems, communication equipment and other, gave a tank with amazing characteristics.

Philosophy of open architecture, as capital DEGMAN eminence, enables full combining autonomy. Final tank structure could be defined according to specific user requests, dependable of compatibility, interoperability, operational-tactical, climatic and other requests. Selection between several options, mutually different in sophistication, technical characteristics and parameters, brings out a new and recognizable approach.

In mid-1999, Croatia finally revealed its new Degman Main Battle Tank (MBT), which is an enhanced version of the Yugoslav (today Serbia) M-84A MBT that has been manufactured in Croatia for several years.

The M-84A is in turn an improved version of the original Yugoslav M-84 which in turn is based on the Russian T-72M1 MBT.

Under current plans, production of the M-84A was expected to be completed in Croatia in the near future, after which it will be followed on the production lines by the improved Degman.

For trials purposes, the new computerised fire-control system has been tested in the current M-84A and it is expected that in the future - funding permitting - the whole Croatian M-84A/Degman MBT fleet will be brought up to a common fire-control system standard.

In 2003 Duro Dakovic Specijalna Vozila completed the first all up example of the Degman MBT it has developed to meet the requirements of the Croatian Army. It should be noted that RH-ALAN is a marketing company. Production is undertaken by Duro Dakovic Specijalna Vozila.

As of February 2008, it is understood that quantity production of the Degman MBT had not yet commenced.

In overall layout the Degman, which has sometimes been referred to as the M-95, is identical to the M-84/M84A with the driver at the front, two-person turret in the centre and with the power pack at the rear.

The Russian T-72M1 and the M-84 MBT both featured a welded steel armour turret that incorporated advanced armour. The latest Degman MBT has a new turret of all-welded steel armour that is easier to manufacture and easier to fit with additional armour due to its flat sides.

In addition to the base line armour package, the new turret of the Degman MBT also has a new Explosive Reactive Armour (ERA) package called RRAK developed and supplied by the RAFAEL Advanced Defense Systems of Israel.

An ERA package is also provided over the frontal arc of the chassis covering the nose, glacis plate and side skirts to provide a high level of battlefield survivability.

A Fotona-type LIRD laser warning system is provided and used in conjunction with the two banks of three grenade launchers mounted on either side of the turret.

Main armament comprises a 125 mm smoothbore gun that is fed by an automatic loader, which first loads the projectile and then the charge. The automatic loader holds a total of 22 projectiles and a similar number of charges with another 20 being carried in reserve.

A 7.62 mm machine gun is mounted coaxially with a 12.7 mm machine gun on the roof on the right side that can be aimed by remote control.

Degman has a new computerised fire-control system called the OMEGA-D with the gunner having a stabilised day/image intensification (II) sight with integrated laser range-finder.

The stabilised gunner's sight is designated the SGS-D, and the day channel has a magnification of ×10 and the night channel is of the second generation image-intensification type. This includes a Nd-Yag laser range-finder with a range from 200 to 10,000 m.

There is an option to replace the II system by a thermal camera (the TSGS-D). The commander has a Fotona COMTOS day/night sight with integrated DNKS-2 with hydraulic gun-control equipment but with the option of an all-electric system.

The driver has a Fotona CODRIS-E day/night periscope system supplied by Fotona of Slovenia who also supply the other optical devices. The CODRIS-E night channel has a 40° field of view in the night channel and 125° field of view in the day channel. Vertical field of view of 30° in night channel and 24° in day channel. In addition the commander and driver are each provided with two standard TNPA-65 auxiliary periscopes.

The first prototype of the Degman is powered by a V-12 diesel developing 1,000 hp, which with a combat weight of 44.5 tonnes gives a maximum road speed of 70 km/h. There is also the option for an new power pack that includes a 1,200 hp diesel. Tracks are German Diehl series 840 with replaceable pads.

Degman also features a locally developed NBC system, fire detection and suppression system and the RPV 2000 computer-based driver's control panel that replaces the existing panel to integrate drivetrain monitoring with a navigation system and other functions. The radio communications package is provided by Thales and includes the PR4-G frequency operating radios.

In addition to new build Degman MBTs, funding permitting, it is expected that current in-service Croatian M-84s will be gradually brought up to the same electronic status as the Degman and elements of the upgrade are already being marketed internationally.

For trial purposes a Degman MBT has been fitted with a BAE Systems Bofors Lemur Remote Controlled Weapon Station armed with a .50 (12.7 mm) M2 HB MG.

Elements of the Degman MBT are also included in the TMP-72 upgraded MBT. Brief details of this are given in the entry for the RH-ALAN M-84AB MBT.