Russian T‑90S tanks face destruction in Ukraine conflict
Ukrainians have reported the destruction of additional Russian armored vehicles, including the rarely seen T-90S tank. These tanks were originally not intended for frontline deployment. Let's delve into the history and capabilities of this machine.
6:41 PM EDT, July 5, 2024
Ukrainian military and political commentator Oleksandr Kovalenko discussed the Russians' losses in the Donetsk region on his Telegram profile. He explained how the T-90S tanks ended up in Ukraine. Previously, analysts had suggested that the Russians changed their strategy and sent available T-90S tanks to make up for numerous losses.
"The T-90S is the export version of the T-90, with an interesting history. They were mainly sent under contracts to India as the T-90S Bhishma. However, some tanks did not pass acceptance due to poor assembly quality and other defects. Over time, a number of these tanks accumulated and, beginning in November-December 2022, they started being sent to the front," explained Kovalenko.
The Russians lost a T-90S tank
In terms of equipment, the T-90S tank is quite similar to the standard T-90 used by the Russian army. It has a 1,000-horsepower engine, allowing it to reach a maximum speed of 40 mph. Its offensive capabilities rely on the 125mm 2A46M-3 smoothbore gun, along with 7.62mm and 12.7mm machine guns.
The T-90S, compared to the original, is somewhat stripped down. It lacks the TszU-1 Shtora-1 electro-optical self-defense system but has space for reactive armor.
It's unclear how many T-90S units have reached the front to support Russian forces. However, Kovalenko notes that the destruction of each such tank is a rare event.
Various sources estimate the total number of destroyed T-90S tanks in Ukraine to be between 10 and 15 units. From the Russian perspective, losses of all T-90 family tanks are significantly higher, with at least 150 units already destroyed.
