Although not strictly 'modern', I have a question regarding the Soviet T-55A. I have a photo of this tank in service with the Serbian Army (during the Civil War in the Former Yugoslavia). It appears that the small tie-down points around the turret are missing. Is this perhaps due to the poor quality of the photo, or were they occasionally removed (either deliberately or from battle damage)?

I have never seen any photos with these removed.But as you stated if the photo is of poor quality it can be hard to tell the details.

Coincidentally, I have just come across clear images of the T-55A with the tie downs missing on one side of the turret. It is impossible to tell whether those on the rear of the turret are present, but this suggests that they were sometimes removed (or perhaps not fitted at all).

Not any help for your questions but take in mind that exYougoslavia used T55A fromrussian, polish and Cz origins so with différents configurations.