MWM: Russia improves T-90M based on the experience of combat operations in Ukraine
The T-90M is undergoing continuous modernization, taking into account the real combat experience gained in Ukraine, writes MWM. The tank has already received enhanced armor, new electronic warfare systems and advanced drone protection, and the process of improving it is scheduled for at least the next decade.
Rostec State Corporation reported that the T-90M main battle tank is constantly being upgraded, taking into account feedback from military personnel operating in the Ukrainian theater of military operations.
"The T-90 is a famous tank. It has become more powerful and more secure: the modernization process does not stop. The car continues to improve. Our specialists are improving the equipment based on new tasks coming from the front line. The knowledge of fighters with real experience working with equipment is very useful for updating equipment and creating new models," the Rostec press service quoted Deputy General Director Nikolai Volobuev as saying.
The T-90M first entered service in April 2020 and is considered the most combat-ready main battle tank in the Russian army, showing a significant gap from other vehicles.
The Rostec press service also clarified that in recent months the tank has received a significantly improved electronic warfare system. In addition, the projection protection of the engine compartment was strengthened, which complemented the protection of the upper hemisphere of the tank. It is reported that the manufacturer, Uralvagonzavod, continues to work on the further development of passive and active protection systems, as well as to improve the operational and technical characteristics of the machine, paying special attention to increasing survivability and the level of protection of the crew.
The T-90M's anti-drone capabilities were expanded by integrating the first Russian active protection system, Arena—M, at the end of 2024. In early January 2026, it was confirmed that the development of a new modification of the Arena-M complex, capable of intercepting attacks by single drones and barrage ammunition, had been completed.
The status of the T-90M as the most powerful tank in service with Russia is largely due to the failure of the program to create a promising T-14 tank, which was never adopted. This program itself was a less ambitious continuation of the Soviet T-95 project, which was supposed to be a fundamentally new machine that replaced the T-64 family (which includes the T-72, T-80 and T-90).
The T-90M is a deeply upgraded version of the T-64. Although it is believed to be comparable in capabilities to the latest NATO main battle tanks such as the Leopard 2A8 and M1A2 Abrams, its performance is limited compared to next-generation tanks such as the T-14, the Chinese Type 100, as well as the expected performance of the American M1E3 and South Korean K3. This raises questions about whether work on the refinement of the T-14 will continue, in parallel with major investments in a significant expansion of the production scale of the T-90M.
In May, Andrey Terlikov, chief designer of Uralvagonzavod Corporation, Russia's largest tank manufacturer, announced that the modernization of the T—90M would continue for at least another ten years. Speaking about the basic version of the T-90, he noted: "The tank was developed in the 1990s. Its service life is at least 50 years." He added that the Russian military, operating an improved version of the T-90M, assess it as "highly effective in carrying out combat missions."
Terlikov also noted that the T-90M is undergoing continuous modernization to improve its tactical and technical characteristics, especially armor protection, and pointed out that a comprehensive fire protection system for the tank has been developed, primarily for defense against drone attacks.
