The T-90: Russia's Main Battle Tank (2024)

The T-90 is one of the most advanced main battle tanks (MBTs) in the world, designed by the Russian defense company Uralvagonzavod. Entering service in the early 1990s, the T-90 has evolved through various upgrades and remains a cornerstone of the Russian armored forces. Renowned for its firepower, protection, and mobility, the T-90 has seen widespread use and export success, making it a key player in modern armored warfare.

Development and Variants

Origins and Early Development

The T-90 was developed as a successor to the T-72 and T-80 tanks, aiming to combine the best features of both while addressing their shortcomings. The initial version, known as the T-90, was introduced in 1992. It featured a blend of the T-72's robust design and the T-80's advanced fire control and protection systems.

T-90A (Vladimir)

In the early 2000s, the T-90A variant was introduced, named after General Vladimir Ivanovich Potkin, who led the tank's design team. The T-90A included several significant upgrades, such as a welded turret (replacing the original cast turret), an improved V-92S2 engine producing 1,000 horsepower, and a modernized fire control system. These enhancements increased the tank's survivability, mobility, and overall combat effectiveness.

T-90MS (Tagil)

The T-90MS, also known as the T-90M "Tagil," represents the latest and most advanced version of the T-90 series. Unveiled in 2011, the T-90MS features a new modular turret, an upgraded 125mm 2A46M-5 smoothbore gun, advanced composite armor, and a more powerful V-92S2F engine producing 1,130 horsepower. Additionally, the T-90MS boasts a comprehensive suite of modern electronics, including a digital fire control system, thermal imaging, and advanced communication equipment.

Design and Features

Armament

The primary armament of the T-90 is the 125mm 2A46M smoothbore gun, capable of firing a variety of ammunition types, including armor-piercing fin-stabilized discarding sabot (APFSDS) rounds, high-explosive anti-tank (HEAT) rounds, and high-explosive fragmentation (HE-FRAG) rounds. The gun can also launch the 9M119 Refleks (NATO designation AT-11 Sniper) anti-tank guided missile (ATGM), providing the tank with a formidable range and the ability to engage both ground and aerial targets up to 5 kilometers away.

Protection

The T-90 incorporates several layers of protection to ensure crew survivability on the battlefield. Its armor is a combination of composite materials and explosive reactive armor (ERA). The Kontakt-5 ERA system is used on earlier models, while the Relikt ERA system is featured on the T-90MS, providing improved defense against kinetic energy penetrators and tandem warhead munitions.

In addition to physical armor, the T-90 is equipped with the Shtora-1 active protection system (APS), designed to disrupt enemy laser targeting and guidance systems. The T-90MS further enhances protection with a more advanced APS, capable of intercepting incoming projectiles.

Mobility

The T-90's mobility is powered by its V-92 series diesel engine, delivering 1,000 to 1,130 horsepower depending on the variant. This power, combined with a robust torsion bar suspension and a hydropneumatic suspension system in the T-90MS, provides excellent cross-country mobility and agility. The tank can achieve a top speed of 60 km/h (37 mph) on roads and has an operational range of approximately 550 km (340 miles) with external fuel tanks.

The T-90's relatively low weight of around 46.5 tons (for the T-90A) and 48 tons (for the T-90MS) allows it to navigate difficult terrain and be transported more easily compared to heavier Western MBTs like the M1 Abrams or Leopard 2.

Operational History and Combat Performance

Domestic Service

The T-90 has been a mainstay of the Russian armored forces since its introduction. It has been deployed in various conflicts, including the Chechen Wars and the Syrian Civil War. In these theaters, the T-90 demonstrated its robustness and combat effectiveness, particularly its ability to withstand hits from anti-tank weapons.

During the Syrian Civil War, T-90A tanks provided by Russia to the Syrian Arab Army played a crucial role in several key battles. The tanks' advanced protection systems and firepower helped them survive in urban combat environments, where they often faced modern anti-tank guided missiles.

Export Success

The T-90 has also been a significant export success, with several countries adopting it as their main battle tank. India is the largest operator of the T-90 outside of Russia, having procured over 1,000 units under the designation T-90S "Bhishma." Indian T-90S tanks are locally assembled under license and have been customized to meet specific operational requirements.

Other notable operators include Algeria, Azerbaijan, Vietnam, and Iraq. The T-90's relatively lower cost compared to Western MBTs, combined with its proven combat performance and adaptability, has made it an attractive option for many countries looking to modernize their armored forces.

Upgrades and Modernization

T-90M Breakthrough

The T-90M "Proryv-3" (Breakthrough-3) is the latest upgrade program for the T-90 series, incorporating several advancements to ensure the tank remains competitive in modern warfare. Key upgrades include:

New Fire Control System: The Kalina fire control system, which includes advanced targeting and tracking capabilities, improved thermal sights, and a panoramic sight for the commander.
Enhanced Protection: The addition of the Relikt ERA system, an upgraded APS, and a more robust armor package.
Improved Mobility: The adoption of a more powerful engine and advanced suspension system, increasing the tank's speed and off-road capability.
Digital Integration: Modern communication and battlefield management systems, enhancing situational awareness and coordination with other units.

These upgrades significantly enhance the T-90's lethality, survivability, and network-centric warfare capabilities, ensuring it remains a formidable opponent on the battlefield.

Strategic Importance and Future Prospects

The T-90 continues to play a crucial role in the Russian Army's armored forces and remains a key element of Russia's military strategy. Its combination of firepower, protection, and mobility makes it well-suited to a variety of combat scenarios, from conventional warfare to asymmetric conflicts.

As new technologies and threats emerge, ongoing modernization programs for the T-90, such as the T-90M, ensure that it remains relevant and effective. The tank's export success also highlights its importance as a tool of Russian military diplomacy and influence, providing partner nations with a reliable and capable main battle tank.

Conclusion

The T-90 stands as a testament to the enduring legacy of Russian tank design. From its origins in the early 1990s to its latest iterations, the T-90 has consistently demonstrated its value on the battlefield. Its advanced design, robust protection systems, and versatile combat capabilities make it a critical asset for both the Russian Army and numerous international operators.

As the T-90 continues to evolve through modernization programs, it will undoubtedly remain a key player in the realm of armored warfare, adapting to new challenges and ensuring that it maintains its edge over potential adversaries. The T-90's success story is not just one of technological achievement but also of strategic significance in global military affairs.

Sources:

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"T-90S Bhishma Main Battle Tank." Army Technology. Accessed May 24, 2024. Army Technology.
"T-90 Tank: Russia's Cold War Warrior Still Going Strong." The National Interest. Accessed May 24, 2024. The National Interest.
"T-90MS Tagil Main Battle Tank." Military Factory. Accessed May 24, 2024. Military Factory.
"T-90M Proryv-3 (Breakthrough-3)." Military Watch Magazine. Accessed May 24, 2024. Military Watch Magazine.
"T-90: The Story of the Russian Army’s Main Battle Tank." Defense News. Accessed May 24, 2024. Defense News.