T90 Tank Performance in Ukraine: Upgrades, Challenges, and Losses

The Evolution of the T90 Tank

The T90 tank series represents Russia's most technologically advanced main battle tank deployed during their invasion of Ukraine. Its development can be traced back to the 1980s when the Soviet Union operated three separate main battle tanks: the T64, T72, and T80. The logistical nightmare of maintaining multiple tank types led to a decision to consolidate tank production into a single design.

The T72 was chosen as the basis for the new tank due to its lower cost and simpler mechanical design. By upgrading the armor, incorporating the fire control system from the T80, and adding the Shtora-1 active protection system, the T90 was born. Prototypes began delivery in March 1991, just months before the collapse of the Soviet Union.

Early Production Challenges

The dissolution of the USSR and the reduction to only two operating tank factories in the new Russian Federation severely hampered T90 production. By 1998, a mere 150 units had entered service. To boost production, Russia developed the T90S for export in 2001, which caught the attention of the Indian military.

The T90A: A Significant Upgrade

In 2002, upgraded engines were integrated into the newest batch of tanks, designated as the T90A. This variant represented a substantial improvement over the T72s it replaced, featuring:

• V92S engine
• Latest Russian thermal sights
• Contact-5 explosive reactive armor
• Shtora-1 active protection system

The Shtora-1 system gave the T90A its distinctive "menacing eye" look, designed to detect laser targeting from enemy tanks or ATGM systems and deploy countermeasures.

T90M: The Current Variant

The T90M, which entered service in April 2020, is the most common variant seen in current conflicts. It features several notable differences from its predecessor:

Visual and Protective Changes

• Absence of the Shtora-1 system, removing the iconic "glowing red eyes"
• RPG netting (QET) to protect the gap between hull and turret armor
• Relikt ERA surrounding the turret
• Modified ERA configuration on hull sides and front

Armor Specifications

According to official Russian specifications, the T90M's primary armor offers:

• 950mm rolled homogeneous armor equivalent against kinetic rounds
• 1,350mm RHA equivalent against explosive projectiles

However, these figures should be approached with caution, as actual protection levels can vary based on hit angle and other factors.

Armament Upgrades

The T90M features an upgraded 2A46M5 cannon, which offers improved stabilization and accuracy compared to older models. It can fire:

• Standard 125mm tank rounds
• AT11 Sniper ATGM
• 3VO F128 Telnik programmable airburst rounds (limited deployment)

The targeting system includes integrated target tracking and inertial tracking capabilities.

Additional Firepower

• PK PAN commander's independent viewer with 12.7mm heavy machine gun
• PKMT coaxial 7.62mm machine gun

Ammunition Capacity

• 43 total cannon rounds (22 in carousel, 21 in separate compartment)
• 1,250 rounds of 7.62mm ammunition
• 300 rounds of 12.7mm ammunition

Performance in Ukraine

Despite its advanced features, the T90's performance in Ukraine has been mixed. Several factors have contributed to its vulnerabilities and losses:

Vulnerability to Modern Threats

T90s, particularly earlier models, have shown susceptibility to top-attack weapons like Javelins and NLAWs. This has led to the implementation of additional protective measures such as:

• Nakidka systems to reduce infrared, thermal, and radar signatures
• Extra protection for critical engine and transmission components
• Slat cage armor on the sides

Active Protection Systems

In August 2024, some T90s began rolling off the assembly line equipped with the Arena-M active protection kit. This system uses Doppler radars to detect incoming missiles and deploys explosive interceptors. However, its effectiveness has been questioned due to:

• Limited protection against top-attack munitions (60° elevation limit)
• Production challenges due to sanctions
• Reliability issues observed in captured tanks

Production and Replacement Challenges

Russia faces significant hurdles in producing and replacing lost T90s:

• Economic sanctions limiting access to complex electronic components
• Reliance on upgrading older T90A models rather than producing entirely new tanks
• Use of export models (T90S and T90MS) to fill gaps in inventory

Losses and Economic Impact

By the end of 2024, Russia had lost approximately 175 T90s, including 100 T90Ms. With each T90 valued at around $4.5 million, these losses represent nearly a billion dollars in equipment alone.

Factors Contributing to T90 Vulnerabilities

Several elements have contributed to the T90's struggles in Ukraine:

Autoloader Design

Like other T-series tanks, the T90 uses an autoloader system. While this allows for a smaller crew and potentially faster reload times, it also presents a significant vulnerability. The placement of the autoloader inside the turret, rather than in a separate, protected magazine, increases the risk of catastrophic ammunition cook-offs if the tank is penetrated.

Limited Reverse Speed

The T90, like its T72 predecessor, is notorious for its slow reverse speed of just 2.5 mph. This limitation severely hampers the tank's ability to quickly retreat from danger or utilize hit-and-run tactics effectively.

Sanctions and Parts Shortages

Economic sanctions have made it difficult for Russia to source many complex electronic components needed for their advanced war machines. This has led to compromises in quality and capabilities, particularly in areas such as thermal imaging systems.

Evolving Battlefield Threats

The proliferation of advanced anti-tank weapons in Ukraine, including top-attack munitions and drone-delivered explosives, has created an increasingly hostile environment for tanks. The T90, despite its improvements over older models, has struggled to adapt to these emerging threats.

Comparing the T90 to Western Counterparts

While the T90 represents a significant upgrade over older Soviet-era tanks, it still faces challenges when compared to some Western main battle tanks:

Crew Survivability

Western tanks like the American M1 Abrams and German Leopard 2 prioritize crew survivability with features such as:

• Separate ammunition storage compartments
• Blow-out panels to direct explosions away from the crew
• More spacious interiors allowing for easier escape

The T90, while improved over its predecessors, still retains some of the vulnerabilities inherent in Soviet tank design philosophy.

Fire Control and Targeting

While the T90M has made strides in its fire control system, some analysts argue that it still lags behind the most advanced Western systems in terms of:

• Target acquisition speed
• First-round hit probability at long ranges
• Integration of battlefield management systems

Mobility and Power-to-Weight Ratio

The T90 benefits from its relatively light weight, allowing for good mobility in certain terrain. However, its engine power (around 1,000 hp) is less than that of some Western counterparts, potentially limiting its acceleration and cross-country performance.

The Future of the T90 in Russian Service

Despite its challenges, the T90 remains a cornerstone of Russia's armored forces. Several factors will influence its future:

Continued Upgrades

Russia is likely to continue refining and upgrading the T90 platform, focusing on:

• Improved protection against top-attack weapons
• Enhanced situational awareness systems
• Integration of more reliable active protection systems

Production Capabilities

Russia's ability to produce new T90s and upgrade existing models will be crucial. Efforts to reopen old factories and establish new production lines indicate a commitment to maintaining and expanding the T90 fleet.

Lessons Learned from Ukraine

The experiences gained from the conflict in Ukraine will undoubtedly shape future iterations of the T90. Areas of focus may include:

• Better protection against drone attacks
• Improved electronic warfare capabilities
• Enhanced crew survivability features

Economic Constraints

The ongoing costs of the war in Ukraine and the impact of international sanctions will play a significant role in determining Russia's ability to fund further T90 development and production.

Conclusion

The T90 tank series represents Russia's attempt to field a modern, capable main battle tank. While it offers significant improvements over older Soviet-era designs, its performance in Ukraine has revealed both strengths and weaknesses. The tank's vulnerabilities to modern anti-tank weapons, combined with production and maintenance challenges, have tempered expectations of its battlefield dominance.

However, the T90 remains a formidable weapon system when properly employed and supported. Its continued evolution and Russia's commitment to addressing its shortcomings suggest that it will remain a significant factor in armored warfare for years to come.

As the conflict in Ukraine continues to shape the future of armored warfare, the lessons learned from the T90's performance will likely influence tank design and doctrine worldwide. The balance between protection, firepower, and mobility remains a constant challenge for tank designers, and the T90's experiences in Ukraine provide valuable insights into the future of main battle tanks in modern conflicts.

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