«It is impossible to disclose information about secret components»: TNI analyst doubted that UVZ exhibited a working T-90MS tank in Abu Dhabi

The T-90MS main battle tank sent to the troops, which was exhibited at the IDEX-2025 international arms exhibition (UAE), received more than just a new camouflage color. Thus, The National Interest military expert Peter Suchiu reacted to the news from Uralvagonzavod.

T-90MS tank at IDEX-2025 exhibition
Image source UVZ

The Nizhny Tagil enterprise stated earlier that the tank presented at IDEX-2025 was modified taking into account combat experience.

The combat vehicle was transferred to the troops in almost the same configuration as at the exhibition in the UAE. Only the color changed: from the «exhibition» desert camouflage to the standard army green.

UVZ press service

Suchiu noted that at many forums, exhibits are in full configuration and working order. This helps to sell the product. But, when it comes to military equipment, it is unlikely that the exhibition will show a tank with a working gun and other intelligent equipment.

Firstly, this is a matter of ensuring security at the forum itself. Secondly, it is impossible to disclose information about secret components. Given the presence of American experts at the IDEX exhibition, it seems unlikely that the Kremlin would bring a fully functional version of its most powerful MBT to Abu Dhabi.

Peter Suchiu, military expert

He recalled how during the Cold War, the American military and CIA employees made every effort to obtain information about Soviet equipment. They were interested in the Mi-24 attack helicopter and the T-72 main battle tank.

Therefore, it is possible that the T-90MS received more than just a new paint job. This would explain why it took almost six months to convert the tank for shipment to the troops.

Peter Suchiu, military expert

The West believes that the supply of the UVZ exhibition sample to the Russian military indicates a shortage of tanks. OSINT specialists (collecting information from open sources) claim that by mid-2025, the Russian Armed Forces allegedly lost 4,100 tanks.

At the same time, the Russian Ministry of Defense did not announce any data on the state of the tank forces. Moreover, new batches of modernized MBTs are regularly sent to the troops.