Ukrainian forces capture Russia's top tank in Kursk offensive
6:08 PM EDT, August 20, 2024
A video has surfaced online showing another valuable capture by Ukrainian forces participating in the offensive in the Kursk region. It is the T-90M, the best tank currently available to the Russian army. We present its key features.
The actions of the Ukrainians in the Kursk region come with significant equipment losses, but as reported by RBK-Ukraine at 11:05 PM EDT on August 19, citing the General Staff in Kyiv, Russian forces have only managed to slow the ongoing offensive, not stop it. As a result, Ukrainians are systematically destroying and capturing Russian equipment. They have already seized three T-80BVM tanks and now an even more valuable T-90M tank.
T-90M captured by Ukrainians in the Kursk region
Details on the circumstances of the T-90M capture have not been provided. However, social media footage shows the tank being towed to areas controlled by Ukrainians. It appears to be in good condition, so after minor repairs, it could soon return to the battlefield, but this time against the Russians. This would not be the first such instance.
The T-90M is a valuable Russian tank, not only for its military significance but also for its financial worth. It is estimated that one unit costs around $4.5 million. It is dubbed "Putin's pride." The Russian president personally oversaw the production of prototypes and occasionally emphasized in speeches that it is the "best tank in the world."
The best tank in Russian service
The first T-90M units entered service in 2021. These are the best tanks the Russians use in the war with Ukraine. However, they have not proven to be as good as Putin might have hoped. Ukrainians have inspected previously captured units and declared the T-90M to be "a failure instead of a breakthrough."
The T-90M is equipped with a 2A46M-5 caliber 4.92-inch gun. Unlike most older Russian tanks, it has a modern fire control system with a thermal imaging camera and is designed to use a wider range of anti-tank ammunition.
The T-90M’s construction is reinforced with modular reactive armor called Relikt (made of two tiles), protecting the hull and turret. This machine's auxiliary armament includes two machine guns of 0.3-inch and 0.5-inch caliber. It is powered by a 1000-hp engine, allowing the tank to reach speeds of about 40 mph.
