Captured T‑90S tank: Ukraine gains surprising battlefield edge
The Ukrainians have captured a Russian T-90S "Bhishma" tank, which is the export version for the Indian army. The vehicle, abandoned by the Russians on the battlefield, will now serve Ukrainian soldiers from the K-2 battalion of the 54th Brigade of the Armed Forces of Ukraine to counter the enemy. What is known about it?
Soldiers from the Ukrainian K-2 battalion captured a Russian T-90 tank and shared a video of the moment the vehicle was seized on social media. Initially, the Ukrainians were uncertain about the tank's version due to the anti-drone protection installed on it. After a thorough inspection, they realized that the Russians had abandoned a T-90S "Bhishma," the version intended for the Indian army. According to the Ukrainian news service Militarny, the captured T-90S tank will now be used by the K-2 battalion soldiers.
T-90S in the hands of Ukrainians
The T-90S "Bhishma" tank is a modified version of the Russian T-90, tailored to the requirements of the Indian armed forces. Named after a legendary warrior from the Indian epic Mahabharata, it symbolizes strength and resilience on the modern battlefield. Developed through a collaboration between Russia and India, it accommodates the region's specific climatic and operational needs.
The T-90S features several significant modifications compared to the standard T-90. One key enhancement is the inclusion of a locally developed battle management system, which enhances commanders' ability to make quick decisions and effectively direct fire in dynamic combat situations.
The tank also has improved air conditioning systems. The advanced ballistic protection systems, such as Kontakt-5 reactive armour and the modern Shtora-1 active defence system, designed to disrupt laser-guided anti-tank missiles are noteworthy.
The primary weapon of the T-90S is a 125 mm 2A46M smoothbore gun, capable of firing a wide range of munitions, including anti-tank, high-explosive anti-tank (HEAT), and armor-piercing fin-stabilized discarding sabot (APFSDS) rounds. It can also launch 9M119 Refleks guided missiles, significantly extending its range and effectiveness.
The tank is powered by a V-92S2 diesel engine producing 1,000 horsepower. As a result, the vehicle can reach a maximum speed of about 60 km/h on roads and 35-40 km/h off-road. Its operational range is roughly 500 km, which can be further extended by using external fuel tanks.
