Uralvagonzavod T-90M Proryv

History

The Uralvagonzavod T-90M Proryv is a Russian main battle tank developed as an extensive modernization of the T-90 family. It combines a new welded turret, revised protection, modernized fire-control equipment and the established three-person crew layout with an automatic loader.

The T-90M was publicly associated with Russian Army testing during the Zapad-2017 exercise. A procurement contract was signed at the Army-2017 military-technical forum, while serial production officially began in 2018. Initial deliveries followed in April 2020 after delays that included reported engine-related problems.

The type has since become an important part of Russia's continuing tank procurement and modernization program. T-90M tanks have been used in the Russia-Ukraine war, while Uralvagonzavod has continued to deliver new batches with additional protection measures.

Development and production

The T-90M program combined new construction with modernization of existing T-90A tanks. According to the IISS analysis, the 2017-2019 state defence order covered about 160 T-90Ms, with most intended to come from upgraded T-90As. The same analysis reports that serial production officially started in 2018 and that the first deliveries took place in April 2020.

Production estimates vary substantially because published figures do not always separate newly manufactured tanks from upgraded vehicles. IISS estimated an average annual T-90M output of about 40 before Russia's full-scale invasion of Ukraine and approximately 60-70 during 2023. Its analysis calculated that at least 231 T-90Ms had been built or modernized since April 2020, with a possible upper figure of 267 based on reported batch sizes.

Later secondary estimates are considerably higher. Military Watch Magazine reported total T-90 production of roughly 280-300 vehicles in 2024 and cited projections that T-90M output could eventually rise further. Army Recognition also reported estimates of up to about 300 T-90Ms annually and a possible increase by 2028. These figures should not be treated as directly comparable with the IISS assessment because they may combine new production, modernization and broader T-90 output.

Uralvagonzavod continued delivering T-90Ms during 2026. A May 2026 shipment reported by Militarnyi included T-90M, T-80BVM and T-72B3M tanks fitted with additional protective structures. Another T-90M and T-72B3M batch was announced in September 2026. The manufacturer did not disclose the number of tanks or their destinations and stated that the delivered vehicles had upgraded protection.

Design

The T-90M retains the general T-90 layout, with the driver in the front of the hull, the turret in the center and the powerpack at the rear. The crew consists of three personnel: a driver in the hull and a commander and gunner in the turret. Automatic loading eliminates the need for a fourth crew member.

Protection

The tank uses a new welded turret protected by Relikt explosive reactive armor. Relikt modules are fitted around the turret and hull, replacing the older Kontakt-5 system used on earlier T-90 variants. Additional protection described for the Model 2017 configuration includes side armor, bar or slat structures around vulnerable rear areas and net-type protection around parts of the turret.

Protection packages have continued to change during production. Deliveries announced in 2026 were specifically described as having additional or upgraded protective structures, although detailed configurations for individual batches were not disclosed.

Armament and fire control

The T-90M is armed with a stabilized 125 mm smoothbore cannon coupled to an automatic carousel loader. The supplied technical material describes compatibility with conventional tank ammunition and the barrel-launched Refleks guided missile. The carousel holds 22 ready rounds, while a total ammunition load of 43 rounds is reported for the Model 2017 configuration.

Secondary sources differ on the precise gun designation fitted to the T-90M. Army Recognition identifies a 2A46M-4, while another secondary technical analysis identifies the 2A46M-5. Because the supplied sources disagree, the exact gun submodel is not treated here as definitive.

Secondary armament includes a coaxial 7.62 mm PKT machine gun and a remotely operated heavy machine gun on the turret. The Model 2017 technical description lists 1,250 rounds for the coaxial weapon and 300 rounds for the 12.7 mm weapon.

The T-90M is associated with a modernized fire-control system, stabilized armament and automatic target tracking intended to support engagements while moving. Russian-source descriptions also associate the tank with hunter-killer operation, in which the commander can search for a new target while the gunner engages another.

Mobility

Published descriptions agree that the T-90M uses a diesel engine and a conventional tracked running gear with six road wheels on each side, torsion-bar suspension and hydraulic shock absorbers at selected road-wheel stations. The Model 2017 technical description gives a maximum road speed of 60 km/h and a cruising range of 550 km.

The supplied sources disagree on engine configuration and output. Army Recognition lists a V-92S2 engine producing 1,000 hp, while another secondary source identifies a 1,130 hp V-92S2F. Because of this conflict, engine output is not used as a definitive specification here.

Other equipment

Reported standard equipment includes nuclear, biological and chemical protection, automatic fire detection and suppression, a dozer blade and equipment for deep fording. External fuel drums can be carried to extend operational range.

Operational history

The first T-90M deliveries took place in 2020. By the beginning of Russia's full-scale invasion of Ukraine in February 2022, IISS data cited about 67 T-90Ms in active Russian service.

The T-90M entered combat in the Russia-Ukraine war during 2022. Russian National Guard imagery published in April 2022 showed the type operating in the Kharkiv region. Additional batches were delivered during 2022 and 2023 as Russia expanded tank production and modernization. Ukrainian forces have also destroyed and captured T-90Ms during the conflict.

Deliveries continued through 2026, including batches with revised protection intended to address changing battlefield threats. Public announcements generally do not disclose batch quantities, making precise fleet and production totals difficult to establish independently.

Variants

• T-90M Proryv: Russian Army modernization and production standard covered by this article, combining a welded turret, Relikt reactive armor, updated fire-control equipment and revised protection.
• T-90MS: Export-oriented modernization of the T-90S associated with several design features that preceded or influenced the T-90M configuration.

Operators

• Russia: The Russian Army operates the T-90M. Initial deliveries began in 2020, and additional production and modernization batches have continued during the Russia-Ukraine war.

Specifications (T-90M Proryv Model 2017)

General characteristics

• Crew: 3
• Combat weight: 46,500 kg
• Length: 6.68 m
• Width: 3.78 m
• Height: 2.23 m
• Layout: Driver in front hull, turret in center, powerpack at rear
• Suspension: Torsion bar with six road wheels per side

Performance

• Maximum road speed: 60 km/h
• Cruising range: 550 km

Armament

• Main armament: 125 mm stabilized smoothbore cannon
• Guided weapon capability: Refleks barrel-launched anti-tank guided missile
• Coaxial armament: 7.62 mm PKT machine gun
• Turret armament: Remotely operated 12.7 mm heavy machine gun
• Main-gun ammunition: 43 rounds total, including 22 ready rounds in the automatic loader
• 7.62 mm ammunition: 1,250 rounds
• 12.7 mm ammunition: 300 rounds