More than a dozen Russian manufacturers of equipment and weapons are participating in the IDEX international exhibition in Abu Dhabi. The T-90M produced by "UVZ" is presented here - a third-generation tank, it is distinguished by "excellent capabilities compared to its Soviet-era predecessors", writes military expert Maya Carlin for The National Interest.
From <i>"Vladimir"</i> to its modification - "Breakthrough"
Carlin recalled that during the Cold War, the USSR wanted to develop an armored vehicle that could be opposed to the equipment of NATO countries. T-64, T-72 and T-80 tanks did not have the necessary characteristics, the expert added.
MBT T-90 ("Vladimir") looks like Soviet tanks, but has received a number of important improvements. The combat vehicle has better protection, firepower and mobility compared to other tanks.
The deeply modernized T-90M "Breakthrough" tank is equipped with an advanced gun. The combat vehicle hits targets with high-explosive fragmentation, armor-piercing fin-stabilized discarding sabot projectiles of 125 mm caliber. The ammunition includes a 9M119 Reflex guided missile.
The T-90M is equipped with the Shtora-1 electronic-optical active protection system, which includes a laser irradiation warning system, automatic smoke launchers and infrared dazzling devices.
"The T-90M tank may shine on paper", but it is vulnerable to American-made Javelin ATGMs, UAVs and even mines, Carlin concluded.
Read more on the topic:
Uralvagonzavod is ready to modernize T-72, T-80 and T-90 tanks supplied abroad
Head of Rosoboronexport: Middle Eastern generals consider the T-90 the best tank
The smartest tank in the world: Rostec named the key advantages of the T-90 "Breakthrough"
