T-90M Tanks: Enhanced Combat Vehicles for the Russian Army
The Uralvagonzavod Concern in Russia has recently supplied new batches of upgraded T-90M and T-72B3M main battle tanks to the Russian Army. This delivery comes in response to escalating combat losses on the battlefield. The upgraded tanks feature more than a hundred improvements over their predecessors, including protective nets designed to shield against first-person view drones and enhanced rubber armor for increased survivability.
Additional enhancements have been made to the rear, engine, and transmission compartments, further bolstering the tanks’ defenses. Notably, the tanks now include measures to reduce their visibility to enemy forces and an advanced electronic warfare system specifically designed to counter drone threats, as stated by the Russian state manufacturer.
Significant Upgrades Reflecting Battlefield Realities
Alexander Potapov, General Director of JSC NPK Uralvagonzavod, emphasized the extent of the upgrades, noting that a tank produced in early 2022 differs significantly from one manufactured in late 2024. He highlighted that the protection systems in earlier models did not account for many of the challenges encountered during the Second Military Operation.
Potapov elaborated that the necessary modifications were quickly implemented, with designers working tirelessly and factory workers making rapid adjustments to vehicles already in assembly. This responsiveness underscores the urgency felt within Russia’s defense sector to adapt to the evolving combat environment.
The Advanced Features of the T-90M
The T-90M stands as the latest iteration in the T-90 series, boasting a 125mm smoothbore gun, advanced thermal imaging capabilities, and explosive reactive armor. The tank is equipped with a secure digital communication system that enhances operational coordination on the battlefield.
In addition to its primary weaponry, the T-90M features a coaxial 7.62 mm machine gun for secondary defense and is capable of launching 9M119 Refleks anti-tank guided missiles, making it a formidable force in modern warfare.
Design Flaws and Vulnerabilities
Despite its advanced capabilities, the T-90M is not without its vulnerabilities. It carries a fundamental design flaw that has affected earlier models. The tank’s autoloader and hull can jointly accommodate up to 43 projectiles and charges. However, if struck by an anti-tank missile, this configuration can lead to catastrophic detonation, resulting in the complete destruction of the vehicle.
This design issue raises concerns, particularly as the conflict in Ukraine has highlighted the vulnerabilities of Russian armor, contributing to significant operational challenges.
Heavy Losses in the Ukraine Conflict
The ongoing conflict in Ukraine has resulted in an estimated loss of 3,700 Russian main battle tanks, which exceeds the number of tanks that Moscow initially deployed during its invasion in early 2022 by several hundred. These losses can be attributed to a combination of factors, including insufficient crew training, ineffective tactics, and inherent design flaws in the tanks.
The scale of these losses has prompted Russia’s defense-industrial complex to ramp up production of replacements. This includes reviving stored tanks for reuse and sourcing spare parts to maintain their armored capabilities.
Efforts to Replace Lost Equipment
Since April 2020, an estimated 231 T-90Ms have either been built or modernized, with deliveries being conducted in batches of 11 to 15 tanks. However, despite these efforts, reports from the open-source investigative project Oryx indicate that approximately 100 of the newly delivered T-90Ms have been destroyed, damaged, abandoned, or captured during the conflict.
These statistics underline the challenges faced by the Russian military in maintaining and replenishing its armored forces in the face of ongoing losses and a rapidly evolving battlefield.
