Russian T‑90M tanks falter under Ukrainian tactics and tech
The Russians have already lost over 150 T-90M tanks in Ukraine, which Putin proudly described as "the best tanks in the world." Military analyst Isaac Seitz believes that the T-90M is severely underperforming in Ukraine, where the realities of war have exposed its numerous flaws.
"The T-90 Proryv is without a doubt the best tank in the world, the enemy admits it," said Vladimir Putin while visiting the manufacturing halls of the defence company Uralvagonzavod. However, the events on the front in Ukraine contradict such propaganda. Isaac Seitz, in his analysis for the 19FortyFive portal, notes that the documented losses of Russian tanks have already reached 3,000 units, of which over 150 are T-90M.
T-90M tanks underperform in Ukraine
According to the analyst, the T-90M is the best and most advanced tank that the Russians are using in Ukraine. However, it falls short of being the best in the world, partly because it is based on the old T-72. On one hand, the designers managed to implement some improvements, but on the other hand, they did not eliminate some of the flaws. One of these is the carousel-style loading system.
"Inherited from older Soviet tanks, flaws – especially the risky automatic ammunition loading system, which can cause catastrophic explosions after a successful enemy hit – make the T-90M very vulnerable to drone attacks," wrote Isaac Seitz.
The Ukrainians have also pointed out the T-90M's weaknesses. Based on inspections of captured units, they found that, besides the old loading system, the T-90M also has microelectronics with low resistance to damage and inefficient radio communication systems.
Russian tanks face harsh reality
Isaac Seitz also noted the T-90M's vulnerability to kamikaze drone attacks and tactical errors by the Russians. In his opinion, tanks should be used with infantry and air support, whereas there have been many documented instances where lone Russian T-90Ms were sent into battle. As a result, they became easy prey for the Ukrainians.
"Even if the T-90M were the best tank in the world, a lone tank is a dead tank," the analyst wrote.
Among the T-90M's strengths, the analyst cites modern thermal and night vision sights, which are sorely lacking for the crews of older Russian tanks, as well as its production cost. The Russians pay about $6 million CAD for each produced unit. In comparison, a new American Abrams tank can cost up to $13 million CAD. As a result, despite high losses, the Russians can still deliver additional reinforcements to the front more quickly than the West is helping Ukraine.
