A Russian war correspondent recently documented wreckage near the frontline, focusing on a tank with its turret blown off and buried in the ground.
Peak of Russian Design
Initially, he believed the destroyed vehicle was a German Leopard 2, but a companion corrected him, identifying it as a Russian T-90M tank.
The identification was based on specific features, such as the placement of hatches and smoke grenade launchers on the turret, according to WP.
The T-90M represents the peak of Russia’s tank design but is becoming increasingly rare on the battlefield.
Built by upgrading older T-90A and T-72B models, the T-90M is one of Russia's most advanced tanks, originally developed in response to the vulnerabilities of T-72s destroyed in the Gulf War.
With dwindling supplies of these older tank hulls, T-90M production could eventually stall.
Weak Points for FPV Drones
The T-90M is equipped with advanced fire control systems, thermal imaging technology (initially sourced from French components), and Relikt reactive armor, which offers protection against anti-tank missiles with dual warheads and reduces the impact of kinetic rounds.
However, the Relikt armor is layered over the T-72B’s basic armor, leaving weak points that Ukrainian FPV drones have exploited.
One major vulnerability of the T-90M lies in its autoloader system, inherited from the T-72, which stores 22 rounds of ammunition in the hull, directly beneath two of the three crew members. Any hit to this area can trigger a catastrophic explosion, often ejecting the turret from the tank.
The T-90M’s upgrades have also increased its weight to approximately 48 tons, necessitating a more powerful 1250-horsepower engine. Despite these enhancements, the T-90M’s design flaws make it susceptible on the modern battlefield.
