In 1989 it was disclosed that Romania was manufacturing an improved version of the Soviet T-72 series MBT under the designation of the TR-125 which has a number of significant differences from the original vehicle that entered production as far back as 1971-72.

The T-72 weighs 41 tonnes whereas the TR-125 weighs 48 tonnes. The additional weight may be due to increased armour protection over the frontal arc which is also a feature of more recent T-72s built in the CIS.

The TR-125 has seven road wheels of a different design, a new one piece skirt and is powered by a more powerful 880 hp diesel engine which gives a better power-to-weight ratio.

Armament of the TR-125 is identical to the Soviet T-72 and eight forward-firing smoke grenade dischargers are mounted on the left side of the turret.