The T-80UK was the evaluation prototype of a commander tank version of the T-80U tested in the 1980s. The design of T-80UK was mostly similar to the T-80U, but upgraded with TVD, Shtora-1 soft-kill APS, new FCS, and communication equipment. The vehicle was evaluated and passed state certification in the 1990s, but the certified T-80UK in Russian Army service did not install Shtora-1 APS, likely a result of funding problems during production and saving equipment for more advanced tanks like the T-90. The only prototype is mostly used during army exhibitions or army open days.

The T-80UK was introduced in Update "Drone Age" as the tier VII squadron vehicle of Soviet ground tech-tree. Aside from the sensors and IR jammers for the Shtora-1 soft-kill APS, as well as the HE-TF version of the infamous 3OF26, the overall performance of the T-80UK is identical to its tech-tree predecessor, giving players sufficient protection at its tier while boasting a wide variety of ammunition to take down enemy vehicles. However, players will need to make every shot count, as the tank doesn't have the best APFSDS at its tier (particularly against tough foes with protected UFPs like the ZTZ99), as well as the inferior gun handling on Soviet tanks (pre-2016 Russian MBTs).