Russia's most modern tank, the T-90M, is facing significant losses on the battlefield, despite its reputation as a cutting-edge piece of military hardware.
Over 100 Tanks Destroyed
According to Tech over 100 of these tanks have already been destroyed, largely by relatively inexpensive drones deployed by Ukrainian forces.
The T-90M, introduced into service in 2021, was meant to symbolize a new era in Russian military power. However, it is proving vulnerable to low-cost, yet highly effective, Ukrainian drone attacks.
The T-90M tanks, which cost an estimated $4.5 million each, have been targeted by FPV (first-person view) drones that cost a mere $2,000 to $3,000. This stark cost disparity highlights the challenges Russia faces in sustaining its tank fleet against these persistent and cost-effective attacks.
The T-90M’s advanced features, including its upgraded engine, modern fire control system, and advanced reactive armor known as "Relikt," have not been sufficient to prevent these losses.
Exploit a Weak Spot
A significant issue is the tank's vulnerability in areas not fully protected by its reactive armor. Ukrainian drones have been able to exploit these weak spots, leading to catastrophic damage.
Attempts by Russian forces to reinforce the tanks with makeshift armor, such as steel plates, have had limited success. A newer version of the tank introduced in 2024 includes additional protective measures, but the risk remains high.
Moreover, the tank’s ammunition storage design poses a severe risk. The automated loading system stores 22 rounds in the hull, which is not isolated from the crew. Any breach in this area can lead to devastating explosions, often resulting in the tank’s turret being blown off.
Despite Russia's efforts to ramp up production, which may reach 60 to 70 tanks annually, these losses are unsustainable in the long term, making the future of the T-90M on the battlefield uncertain.
