T-90M "Proryv" Leaves the Arena: Which Tanks Will Replace It?

The Rostec State Corporation has stated that the T-90M will be the last of the current generation of tanks. The military is awaiting an era of new concepts in armor, weapons, and network systems. "Perviy Tekhnicheskiy" in its material attempted to fantasize and imagine what kind of combat vehicles will replace the "Proryv" in the coming decades.

"T-Elektron" — the Digital Shield of the Future

The first new generation after the "Proryv" could be the "T-Elektron." This is a networked tank with deep integration of electronics — automatic fire control systems, real-time satellite communication, and an AI assistant for calculating ballistics and protecting against drones.

"T-Hybrid" — Modular Adaptation

The main idea is modularity. Replaceable combat modules, a hybrid engine with batteries, adaptive armor, and the ability to quickly re-equip for any current tasks of the day. Such a tank easily transforms from a breakthrough machine into an IED carrier.

"T-Leviathan": Human + Drone

The third generation is the "T-Leviathan." This is a drone control center platform — constant contact with a swarm of UAVs, ground robots, and reconnaissance groups. The crew is minimal, the AI operates autonomously, and the machine serves as a command node on the field, taking over the functions of the BMPT "Terminator."

"T-Phantom" — Unmanned Combat System

And, finally, a fully unmanned robot tank. Remote control, quantum sensors, plasma weapons or lasers, maximum autonomy, and super protection make it look like a mobile combat system in 20–30 years.

Let us emphasize that the presented alleged characteristics of future tanks are fictional. But, given the speed of development of military technologies, who knows what will happen in just 10-20 years?

In the meantime, engineers continue to modernize the existing fleet of T-90M "Proryv" tanks. Frames of a bizarre defense of the combat vehicle in the form of a dandelion have appeared online. In September 2025, T-90M tanks also received active protection against drones — "Arena-M". "Proryvs" will remain in service at least until 2038.