Russia's revamped tanks roll out amid mounting losses
Uralvagonzavod announced on its Telegram channel that it has dispatched new batches of T-90M Proryv and T-72B3 tanks to the military.
"The tanks are equipped with electronic warfare systems, anti-drone nets, and rubber reinforcements, which are installed on the turret as well as in the engine and gearbox compartments," reads the Uralvagonzavod statement. The Ukrainian agency Unian further reports that since the beginning of the war in Ukraine, the Russians have implemented approximately 200 changes in the design of these vehicles.
New technologies in the tanks
Unian adds that to enhance the propaganda effect, the Russians showcased a Soviet-era design from the Second World War, the T-34, which "escorted" the modern machines during the handover of the next tanks.
Uralvagonzavod does not disclose exactly how many units have been sent to the front as part of the latest delivery. However, the company emphasizes that the factory responsible for the production and modernization of tanks is working 24/7, thereby increasing the factory’s efficiency.
It should be noted that despite modernization, the number of delivered tanks is not sufficient to compensate for the losses suffered by the Russian armed forces during the conflict with Ukraine. Experts estimate that Russia has lost about 3,700 units (of different types), including destroyed, captured, and damaged machines. The annual production of the T-90M Proryv is estimated at approximately 40 units.
T-90M Proryv and T-72B3 tanks
The T-90M Proryv is among the most modern tanks in the Russian mechanized forces. It features a modern 125-mm 2A46M-5 cannon and an upgraded Kalina fire control system. Additional protection is provided by the Relikt reactive armour, which shields both the turret and the hull of the vehicle. The tank's armament is complemented by two machine guns with calibres of 7.62 mm and 12.7 mm.
The second model being sent to the front, the T-72B3, is a tank with history dating back to the 1970s. Since then, this vehicle has undergone many upgrades, with the T-72B3 version being particularly notable. This version has gained recognition due to the modern Sosna-U sight and improved reactive armour. The T-72B3 model is equipped with a 2A46M 125-mm cannon and PKT machine guns with calibres of 7.62 mm and 12.7 mm. Thanks to these modifications, its effectiveness on the battlefield has significantly increased.
