Belarusian volunteers seize Russian T‑90M tanks in Kursk offensive

Belarusian volunteers are taking part in the offensive near Kursk. This is evidenced, among other things, by a recording showing a tank with a flag used by the anti-Lukashenko opposition. It is known that the armored unit "Tur," whose core members are Belarusians, is fighting in the region. They have acquired a lot of equipment from the Russians.

The unit "Tur," part of the 225th Separate Assault Battalion, periodically reports on newly captured weaponry. In the ranks of the Ukrainian army, there is also a regiment named after Konstanty Kalinowski, which is comprised of Belarusians (so-called Kalinovtsi). Although details about the specific equipment the volunteers are using in the offensive near Kursk are lacking, it is worth noting that they possess many heavy vehicles.

The unit "Tur" uses a captured T-90M Proryv-3 tank, among other vehicles. This is the most advanced vehicle the Russians are using in the war they initiated in Ukraine. These machines, upgrades of the T-90 models, were put into service in 2020.

T-90M Proryv-3 tanks utilize advanced thermal imaging technology made in France and an improved 2A46M-5 cannon adapted for new, longer 3BM70 type rounds. The vehicles are equipped with modern two-layer Relikt reactive armor. According to the manufacturer, this type of armor is more effective against kinetic penetrators APFSDS-T and tandem-charge HEAT rounds compared to earlier versions.

The T-90M Proryv-3 tank is notable for its unusual ability to fire not only standard rounds from its cannon but also 9K119 Refleks anti-tank guided missiles, which have a range exceeding 3 miles.

The volunteers also have a captured MT-LB vehicle, while the Kalinovtsi have a BMP-2 infantry fighting vehicle and a Soviet-era T-72 main battle tank at their disposal. The first of these machines is used to evacuate wounded soldiers.

MT-LB, also known as Object-6, is an amphibious armored personnel carrier developed in the 1960s. The vehicle is equipped with an 8-cylinder engine with 240 horsepower, allowing it to reach speeds of over 37 mph on land and about 3 mph in water. Its maximum range is 311 miles.

MT-LB can carry up to 12 people. Its offensive capabilities include a single 7.62 mm PKT machine gun. Many specialized vehicles have also been developed based on the MT-LB, including those equipped with rocket launchers, artillery radars, and even anti-aircraft guns, cranes, and winches.

The BMP-2 was produced in the 1980s. It is equipped with a 30 mm 2A42 cannon, a machine gun, and – in its original version – a single 9K113 Konkurs anti-tank guided missile launcher. The most significant drawback of this vehicle is its weak armor.

The BMP-2, weighing only 31,000 lbs and carrying a total of 11 people (three crew members and eight passengers), has a low level of protection. The side armor of this vehicle can be penetrated by larger-caliber small arms fire.

The T-72 was introduced into service in 1973, and its operation is well-known to Ukrainian soldiers. The tank weighs about 88,000 lbs, and its maximum speed is 37 mph on roads and 28 mph off-road. The vehicle is renowned for its weak armor and powerful 125 mm cannon. The tank's armament also includes two 7.62 mm machine guns and one 12.7 mm machine gun.

Combined with the substantial forces of the Ukrainians, the Belarusian volunteers can significantly support the offensive near Kursk. Especially as the attackers are capturing more tanks in the area, some of which are being abandoned by the Russians without a fight.