SOURCE: AFI
A striking new image of Russia’s T-90M main battle tank, known as the “Proryv-3” (Breakthrough-3), has surfaced, showcasing significant upgrades aimed at countering the growing threat of unmanned aerial systems (UAS). The tank, produced by Uralvagonzavod, sports a suite of add-ons designed to enhance its survivability on the modern battlefield, particularly against drones. However, despite these advancements, experts point to three critical drawbacks that continue to limit its effectiveness: an underpowered powerpack, reliance on carousel ammunition storage, and suboptimal placement of the remote weapon station (RWS).
The T-90M’s latest iteration features a reinforced “cope cage”—a metal canopy over the turret to deflect or detonate incoming drones and loitering munitions, such as the FPV kamikaze drones that have proven devastating in conflicts like Ukraine. Additional slat armor and netting around the hull and turret rear aim to pre-detonate anti-tank munitions, while electronic warfare systems reportedly reduce the tank’s visibility to infrared and radar-guided UAS. The tank retains its formidable 125mm 2A46M-5 smoothbore gun, upgraded Relikt explosive reactive armor (ERA), and the Kalina fire control system, ensuring it remains a potent force. These modifications reflect lessons learned from combat, where drones have exposed vulnerabilities in traditional armor.
Yet, the T-90M’s upgrades fall short of addressing fundamental design issues. First, the tank’s powerpack, a V-92S2F diesel engine producing 1,130 horsepower, struggles to deliver the mobility needed for a 48-ton vehicle in dynamic combat scenarios. A more robust engine would enhance speed and maneuverability, critical for evading drone strikes in open terrain. Second, the tank’s carousel autoloader, which stores 22 rounds beneath the turret, remains a liability. A direct hit risks catastrophic ammunition detonation, a flaw mitigated but not eliminated by moving some rounds to a turret bustle. Experts argue that relocating all ammunition to a bustle with blowout panels, as seen in Western tanks like the M1 Abrams, would drastically improve crew survivability.
Finally, the placement of the T-90M’s remote weapon station—a 12.7mm Kord machine gun—below the cope cage limits its effectiveness against aerial threats. Positioning the RWS above the cage would provide a clearer field of fire to engage drones, enhancing the tank’s active defense. Posts on X have echoed these critiques, noting that while the T-90M’s anti-drone measures are a step forward, they don’t fully resolve these structural weaknesses.
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