Russian T‑90M tanks falter under Ukrainian pressure
Russian T-90M tanks, praised by the Kremlin, are experiencing significant setbacks in Ukraine, notes former US Army officer Brent Eastwood on the 19FortyFive website. The expert's article is entitled, "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 analysis by the Oryx website, in 2024 at least 100 of these machines have been destroyed, damaged, or abandoned on the battlefield. Some were seized by the Ukrainians in excellent condition as Russian soldiers fled the machines on the battlefield. This allowed Ukrainian engineers to gather valuable information on the T-90M's design, learning both the strengths and weaknesses of these tanks.
Losses and their consequences
The losses of the T-90M are not only a blow to Russian military technology but also to its reputation. British intelligence indicates that the loss of these "prestigious" tanks is forcing Russia to increase production of other models. Although modern, the T-90M does not meet expectations on the battlefield.
The destruction of the T-90M "Proryv" tanks is also said to harm the morale of soldiers in Russia, claims Eastwood, 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 problems is their vulnerability to internal ammunition explosions, which can lead to the destruction of the entire turret. Eastwood also notes that despite the improved armour (compared to older Russian tanks), the T-90M "Proryv" remains vulnerable to attacks, even from lighter designs.
The expert cites as an example "one of the embarrassing facts," which is the destruction of the vehicle by a much smaller Bradley fighting vehicle. "There is no way a T-90M with that excellent armor package should be destroyed by a Bradley 25mm Bushmaster chain gun," he writes. This is one of the events that, Eastwood believes, has caused Russians to start questioning what is wrong with their tank.
The 19FortyFive website also reports that the Russian defence industry is struggling to keep up with the production of new tanks. Currently, it can produce only about 40 T-90M units annually. Despite this, Russia continues to deploy these tanks at the front, although their effectiveness in modern warfare is in question.
T-90M Proryv tanks
The T-90M "Proryv" is one of the most advanced tanks in the arsenal of Russian mechanised forces. It is equipped with a modern 125 mm 2A46M-5 gun and an upgraded Kalina fire control system. Additional protection is provided by Relikt reactive armour, which shields both the turret and the vehicle's body. The tank's armament is complemented by two machine guns with calibres of 7.62 mm and 12.7 mm.
