Rostec State Corporation has repeatedly called the T-90M tank the best in the world. This assessment is fair, as the combat vehicle possesses a number of key qualities in which it surpasses all its competitors.
"Pervy Tekhnichesky" decided to compare the "Proryv" with the benchmark of American tank building – the M1A2 Abrams SEP v3. The text presents a clash of two concepts: a mobile strike vehicle and a heavily protected tank with an advanced digital architecture.
1. Firepower
The T-90M "Proryv" uses a 125-mm 2A46M-5 gun and 9M119M/M1 "Invar" guided missiles of the "Refleks-M" complex with a range of up to 5 km. The M1A2 Abrams SEP v3 is armed with a 120-mm M256 gun with modern M829 ammunition.
In fact, the Abrams is stronger at short and medium ranges in terms of penetration. However, the T-90M has a missile advantage at direct line-of-sight range, so we'll call it a draw.
2. Protection
The M1A2 Abrams SEP v3 received multi-layered armor, but its main advantage is in its isolated ammunition compartment with blow-out panels.
The T-90M "Proryv" is equipped with "Relikt" and enhanced armor protection, but retains its ammunition in the fighting compartment. Here, the "American's" protection looks preferable.
3. Mobility
The T-90M "Proryv" with a weight of 48 tons is lighter, more compact, and performs better on soft ground and in conditions of limited infrastructure.
The M1A2 Abrams SEP v3 has become heavier, up to 66.8 tons, requires more complex logistics for deployment, and is limited in off-road capability. The "Proryv" is much more versatile in this regard.
4. Logistics and Operation
The T-90M is easier to maintain, cheaper to operate, and faster to restore in field conditions.
At the same time, the M1A2 Abrams SEP v3 requires complex fuel and repair infrastructure, and therefore loses.
5. Situational Awareness – Draw
Both vehicles use modern thermal imagers, panoramic sights, and digital combat control systems.
The M1A2 Abrams SEP v3 has more developed network integration (JBC-P). The T-90M "Proryv" compensates for this with its modern "Kalina" FCS and good optics, so we'll call it a draw.
Final score – 2:1 in favor of the T-90M.
The "Proryv" wins due to its mobility, logistics, and operational stability. The M1A2 Abrams SEP v3 takes its advantage from its very powerful protection.
Other parameters are either equal or compensated by different application concepts.