Russia ramps up military might with new T‑90M tanks
The Russian Federation Army is set to bolster its forces with additional T-90M Proryv tanks, as reported by the Defence Blog portal. To mark the occasion, the Uralvagonzavod plants hosted a concert against the backdrop of about 10 new tanks, celebrating their delivery to the front lines. Let's delve into what makes these tanks stand out.
The event was a spectacle, featuring music, celebrations, and the blessing of the new machinery, all with the T-90M Proryv tanks making a formidable background. The exact number of units to be dispatched to the front in the near future was not disclosed by the manufacturer. However, a video clip revealed at least 10 T-90Ms loaded on railway wagons.
A key emphasis is on the enhancements aimed at boosting crew survivability, a detail shared by Defence Blog. Fresh off the production line, these T-90Ms are purported to "increase operational efficiency in combat situations." Yet, verifying these claims is challenging, especially when they come from Rostec, a state-owned entity in Russia.
Notably, President Putin, during a visit to the Uralvagonzavod facility, hailed the T-90M Proryv as "the best tank in the world" without mincing words. However, the ongoing conflict in Ukraine paints a different picture, with numerous reports indicating that the tank's defences are readily compromised by relatively inexpensive FPV kamikaze drones.
The crown jewel of Russian armor
Despite its flaws, the T-90M Proryv remains a significant asset in the Russian military arsenal. While it may not measure up to Western models in terms of quality, it stands out among post-Soviet military vehicles for its robustness and durability.
A notable upgrade is the use of Relikt reactive armour, designed to offer enhanced protection for both the turret and the hull, marking a considerable improvement over earlier models where armour offered scant protection to the crew.
Offensively, the T-90M is equipped with a 125 mm smoothbore gun 2A46M-5, along with two machine guns of 7.62 mm and 12.7 mm. The tank's fire control is managed by the advanced Kalina system.
