TechRussian T-90 tanks exposed: Expert reveals vulnerabilities

Russian T‑90 tanks exposed: Expert reveals vulnerabilities

Reuben Johnson, a former consultant for the Pentagon and the governments of several NATO countries in the field of defense technologies, evaluated the T-90 tanks, which the Russians often claim to be the best in the world. According to the American expert, such opinions are purely propaganda, and the war in Ukraine has clearly exposed the weaknesses of these Russian machines.

T-90M during exercises
T-90M during exercises
Images source: © X, @sputnik_india

The problems of the T-90 tanks in Ukraine arise from several factors. Johnson attributes them to a weaker structure than the Russians had hoped, which has proven inadequate in confrontations not only with modern Western weapons (such as FGM-148 Javelin launchers) but even with small FPV (first-person view) kamikaze drones.

T-90 tanks failed in Ukraine: opinion of an American expert

"Western anti-tank weapons like the Javelin, along with drones, have rendered the T-90’s armor and active protection systems ineffective. Poor maintenance, degraded electronics, and reports of reactive armor filled with rubber or empty compartments further highlight its shortcomings. While the T-90 was designed for a different battlefield, the evolving nature of modern warfare has left it ill-suited for the challenges of today’s conflicts," Johnson assessed.

In his analysis, Johnson also mentioned videos by Ukrainians showcasing captured T-90 and T-90M models and their inspections. These videos displayed elements that did not match the aura the Russians projected around their most valuable tanks, including shortcomings in armor and flawed microelectronics.

Putin's pride failed in Ukraine

The T-90 was referred to as "the world's best main battle tank" by Vladimir Putin, among others. However, the losses suffered by Russian units fighting in Ukraine are considerable. According to data from the Oryx blog, which documents equipment losses of the parties fighting in Ukraine, the Russians have already lost 122 T-90M models.

This is the latest tank from the T-90 family, equipped with a 125 mm caliber 2A46M-5 cannon with an improved fire control system. It also features modular reactive armor called Relikt (consisting of two layers of blocks) and auxiliary armament in the form of two machine guns — 7.62 mm and 12.7 mm calibers.

Johnson believes that the Russians will face even greater problems with their flagship tanks. The reason is sanctions that have limited access to Western electronics. As inspections by Ukrainians revealed, these electronics were used in the T-90 and T-90M, and they are now being replaced (in modernized or repaired tanks) with inferior Russian substitutes.

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