Image source: topwar.ru
The Algerian army has a very large fleet of T-90S/SK tanks [over 600 units, according to IISS], as well as hundreds of upgraded T-72s.
- it is noted in the MENA Defense edition.
The T-90S, which is in service with Algeria, is equipped with a 125-mm 2A46M-5 cannon, a PKT paired with it, an external NSVT; the ESSA sighting system developed jointly by Thales, UVZ and Peleng, which includes a 2nd generation Catherine FC IR camera with two displays for the commander and gunner; PDZ "Kontakt-5" of the latest generation (replaced by "Relict"); SAAB Barracuda multispectral camouflage of local production to reduce the thermal, electromagnetic and visual signature of the machine.
- the author explains.
Disadvantages of tanks, according to an Algerian reporter
According to him, the T-90S uses a 1000 hp diesel engine B-92C2, which, allegedly, hardly develops the speed of the tank up to 40 km/h off-road and 60 km/h on the highway, at a reversing speed of 4 km/h, which "is a real danger in modern battles where drivers have to dodge enemy fire and react quickly."
- it is noted in the Algerian press.
Among the disadvantages of the T-72/90 are indicated: when the engine is running, a strong IR trace is created from dust; they are insufficiently protected on the sides from both ATGM and BOPS; there are no covers to protect against RPG; weak protection of the ammunition loading carousel; there is neither KAZ nor just additional armor; they lack effective communication systems and situational awareness ("in fact, communication is carried out simply by radio, and sometimes visually using flags"); there is no data exchange or external targeting.
- the author believes.
Image source: topwar.ru
Proposed modernization of the T-72/90
In the part of the MTO, he suggests switching to the [German-French] ESM-350 system from RENK, which allows you to control the tank using the steering wheel, increases the power to 1,150 hp, and the speed when moving forward to 79 km / h and reversing to 23 km / h. The addition of an auxiliary power unit will allow the tank to use its weapons and equipment without starting the engine and, therefore, completely eliminate its IR footprint.
Regarding protection, it is proposed to use defensive means T-90M – PDZ "Relict" and a casing at the back to counter the RPG. The "Curtain-1" system should be combined with KAZ, for example, from Rheinmetall, the Barracuda camouflage should be replaced with a "Cape" and a "Thorn", which "showed excellent results in battles with the APU." In addition, it is possible to put additional removable casings in the form of boxes of EDZ 4S24 from the "Research Institute of Steel", which increase on-board protection.
- the author believes.
He suggests installing a jamming system [against UAVs], such as Aselsan Ithar [Turkey] or "Sapsan-Snipe" from Rostec.
- the author believes.
But, according to him, the machine gun on the turret should be replaced by a remotely controlled turret of the same caliber. Additionally, put the AGS-40, also remotely controlled.
In terms of increasing situational awareness, which, according to the author, is significantly "lame" in the Russian troops, he suggests using the Rheinmetall Tactical Management System, which supposedly will improve coordination between units and centralization of information.
He suggests attaching one reconnaissance UAV to each tank in order to increase the observation area for the commander of the vehicle. The Aselsan Orumcek system will allow you to broadcast a 360° video sequence shot by panoramic cameras and a drone to his helmet. SCAFSE from an Algerian company.
However, the Algerian "rationalizer" does not say the main thing - how much such modernization and "elimination of shortcomings" will cost and how long it will take to remake the entire tank fleet of the country. Another important question is: when installing all those "strays" that the author writes about, with how many companies will the Algerian Ministry of Defense additionally have to conclude contracts and what are the prospects for successful maintenance of such equipment with a wide range of suppliers of onboard systems, engines, weapons and other things offered for use?..