The T-62 tank underwent a number of upgrades in its long service life. It's modernisation program started in 1972 with the mounting of a 12.7mm DShK machine-gun on the loader’s hatch for anti-helicopter fire. It was fitted with a laser rangefinder in 1975.

T-62M upgrades were introduced in 1983. These consisted of the Volna fire control system, BDD appliqué armour package, an additional belly armour plate for anti-mine protection, and 10mm thick reinforced rubber ‘bazooka’ side skirts. The additional two horseshoe shaped blocks fitted to the front of the turret were quickly nicknamed Brezhnev’s eyebrows.