Summary: Despite employing its most advanced T-90M tanks, Russia faces substantial losses, with these modern units failing to make a significant impact against Ukrainian forces equipped with Western anti-tank systems. The T-90M's shortcomings, particularly its slow reverse speed, have made it vulnerable to Ukrainian counterattacks.

T-90M Tanks Fail to Turn the Tide for Russia in Ukraine, Despite Advanced Technology

The Russian military has stabilized the situation in Ukraine and is once more on the offensive. However, thus far, the war has been a grand failure for Russian President Vladimir Putin and the Kremlin.

The Russian military has lost between 250,000 and 320,000 troops killed, wounded, and captured—the exact number varies by the source and is likely somewhere in between—as well as tens of thousands of pieces of heavy weapon systems. When it comes to main battle tanks, the situation has been so dire that the Russian military has had to activate ancient tanks from its Cold War storages to replenish losses.

Footage from the battlefield shows Russian forces using T-54/55 and T-62 tanks that were designed and built in the years after World War Two. And these tanks have been going to war without any serious upgrades to ensure a better fighting chance. Armed with obsolete armor and using obsolete optics and fire-control systems, these tanks are easy prey to Ukraine’s Western anti-tank weapon systems.

But the Russian military has also been using increasingly large numbers of its best tanks in the fighting. When it comes to armor, the T-90M represents the best Russia has to offer in numbers.

And yet, the tank is getting slammed in Ukraine.

The T-90M Tank in Ukraine 

Developed by Uralvagonzavod, the T-90M entered service in 2017 and represents the best the Russian defense industry has to offer in armor technology.

To be sure, there is also the -14 Armata. But that model is so problematic and manufactured in such small numbers (only a handful) that it can’t be considered operational.

The T-90 is a third-generation main battle tank and brings improved firepower, protection, and mobility compared to older models.

Regarding sensors and features, the T-90M packs explosive reactive armor (ERA), an inertial navigation system, and a new fire control system that allows for all-weather engagements. The tank requires a three-man crew (commander, driver, and gunner) and relies on an automatic reloading system to feed the main cannon.

When it comes to power, the T-90M uses a V-92S2F engine that can produce 1130 horsepower and maximum speeds of up to 37 miles per hour. However, one notable flaw of Russian main battle tanks in general is their very slow reverse.

This might seem like a minor detail in the bigger picture, but it actually has an important operational impact. So, when a Russian tank wants to withdraw, it must either do it at slow speeds, thus maximizing the window of opportunity for the Ukrainian forces to strike it, or completely turn around, thus exposing its weaker backside to incoming anti-tank munitions.

As far as main firepower, the T-90M uses a 125mm 2A46M-4 smoothbore cannon that can fire a variety of munitions.

The Russian military began using the T-90M in Ukraine from the start. But subsequent losses across its tank fleet forced the Kremlin to deploy most of its T-90M to the battlefield, thus weakening its strategic deterrence.

More than 25 months into the war, it is safe to say that the T-90M has been a disappointment. It has failed to achieve any significant result for the Russian military and is often hammered by older or weaker weapon systems.

For example, only a few weeks ago, a pair of Ukrainian M2 Bradley infantry fighting vehicles took out a T-90M independently.  

About the Author 

Stavros Atlamazoglou is a seasoned defense and national security journalist specializing in special operations. A Hellenic Army veteran (national service with the 575th Marine Battalion and Army HQ), he holds a BA from the Johns Hopkins University, an MA from the Johns Hopkins’ School of Advanced International Studies (SAIS). He is pursuing a J.D. at Boston College Law School. His work has been featured in Business Insider, Sandboxx, and SOFREP.

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