Russia's prised T‑90M tanks falter in Ukraine campaign
Russian T-90M tanks, praised by the Kremlin, are experiencing heavy losses in Ukraine, notes former U.S. Army officer Brent Eastwood on the 19FortyFive portal. The expert's article is titled "Russia is Terrified."
The Russian T-90M Proryv tanks, which were intended to be the pride of the Russian army, are proving to be easy targets for the Ukrainian armed forces. According to an analysis by the Oryx portal, in 2024 at least 100 of these vehicles have been destroyed, damaged, or abandoned on the battlefield. Some were captured by the Ukrainians in excellent condition because Russian soldiers fled these machines on the battlefield. This allowed Ukrainian engineers to gather valuable information on the T-90M's design, learning both its strengths and weaknesses.
Losses and their consequences
The losses of the T-90M not only deal a blow to Russian military technology but also damage its image. British intelligence suggests that the loss of these "prestigious" tanks compels Russia to ramp up production of other models. Despite being modern, the T-90M does not meet expectations on the battlefield.
The destruction of the T-90M Proryv tanks is also said to negatively affect soldier morale in Russia, Eastwood claims, citing British intelligence.
Technical problems
Despite advanced technology, such as the new 125 mm cannon and Relikt dynamic armour, the T-90M tanks have serious flaws. One of the main issues is their vulnerability to internal ammunition explosions, which can result in the destruction of the entire turret. Eastwood also highlights that despite having enhanced armour compared to older Russian tanks, the T-90M Proryv remains vulnerable to attacks—even from lighter vehicles.
The expert cites an "embarrassing fact," exemplified by the destruction of the tank by a much smaller Bradley fighting vehicle. "There is no way a T-90M with that excellent armour package should be destroyed by a Bradley 25mm Bushmaster chain gun," he remarks. This incident has caused Russians, Eastwood believes, to question what might be wrong with their tank.
The 19FortyFive portal also notes that the Russian defence industry is struggling to maintain the production of new tanks. Currently, only about 40 T-90M units can be produced annually. Nevertheless, Russia continues to send these tanks to the front lines, although their effectiveness in modern warfare is in doubt.
T-90M Proryv tanks
The T-90M Proryv is among the most advanced tanks in the Russian mechanized forces' arsenal. It features a modern 125 mm 2A46M-5 gun and an upgraded Kalina fire control system. Additional protection is provided by the Relikt reactive armour, covering both the turret and the vehicle's body. The tank's weaponry is complemented by two machine guns, with calibres of 7.62 mm and 12.7 mm.
