Russia's T-90M Proryv: A Closer Look At The Competitor Of The M1 Abrams Tank

In the realm of military technology, the T-90M Proryv has been dubbed Russia's "main competitor" to the U.S. Army's M1 Abrams tank, yet it appears to fall short of the expectations set for the battlefield. This assertion has been echoed by various military experts and analysts, emphasizing the differences in capabilities and performance between these two formidable machines. The T-90M, also known as the Proryv-3, is often celebrated in Russian media as the "most advanced armored vehicle" among the T-90 main battle tank variants, boasting upgrades over its predecessor, the T-72.

The T-90M features a powerful engine, an upgraded turret, and improved survivability. Further enhancements include multichannel sighting systems that allow for night operations, as reported by the Russian state news agency Tass. It is equipped with a 125mm 2A46M-4 smoothbore gun capable of firing standard ammunition and missiles at enemy tanks from distances up to three miles. Additionally, it carries secondary armaments like a 7.62mm coaxial machine gun.

Real-time data exchange with other combat vehicles is a significant advantage of the T-90M, thanks to its advanced communication systems. Its armor also features an anti-slip coating, similar to that of the T-14 Armata main battle tank. Despite these impressive specifications, analysts have raised concerns about the T-90M's performance in actual combat situations, stating that appearances can be deceiving.

On January 12, 2023, reports surfaced from Russian state media indicating that Uralvagonzavod, the Russian tank manufacturer, had delivered a new batch of upgraded T-90M Proryv tanks to the Russian military. These tanks have been actively deployed against Ukrainian forces in frontline operations, according to Russia's Defense Ministry. The T-90M first entered service in 2020 and has since been employed in various combat scenarios, including recent engagements near Lyman in the eastern Donetsk region.

However, the battlefield performance of the T-90M has raised eyebrows. The Dutch open-source outlet Oryx has confirmed that Russia has lost 15 T-90M tanks as of a recent report. In addition, footage has emerged showing a Ukrainian brigade successfully destroying one of these tanks, further underscoring the challenges faced by Russian armored units.

Military technology and defense expert Michael Peck expressed doubt regarding the T-90M's combat effectiveness, stating, "Russian tanks always look good until they are actually used in combat." He rated the M1A2 Abrams as superior to the T-90M, noting that while both tanks are commendable, direct comparisons must consider various factors, including support vehicles and trained personnel.

In line with this, President Biden announced on January 25 that the U.S. would send 31 M1 Abrams tanks to Ukraine, asserting that this number would be sufficient to equip a Ukrainian tank battalion. This decision reflects a strategic response to counter Russia's evolving tactics on the battlefield, emphasizing the importance of advanced military hardware in contemporary warfare.

During the T-90M's development, the M1 Abrams was recognized as the primary competitor. As noted by Rostec, the Russian state-owned defense corporation, the T-90M benefits from being lighter, which can be advantageous in certain terrains. In contrast, the Abrams can weigh between 67.6 and 73.6 tons, while the T-90M is estimated to be around 48 tons, highlighting a significant weight disparity that affects mobility.

Furthermore, the T-90M employs a standard diesel engine, resulting in lower maintenance requirements. In contrast, the Abrams utilizes gas turbine engines, known for their fuel consumption. Experts have characterized the Abrams as a "fuel hog," which can be a logistical challenge in extended operations.

Despite these drawbacks, the Abrams tanks, even in older variants, are expected to have superior sensors, granting them an edge in range and accuracy. The M1 can be equipped with 120mm armaments and various machine guns, enhancing its lethality on the battlefield. Peck argued that while the T-90 can fire anti-tank missiles, the M1A2's armor-piercing capabilities would pose a greater threat in combat scenarios.

Ultimately, military analysts suggest that when utilized effectively, the M1A2 Abrams should outperform the T-90M in various combat situations, presenting a formidable challenge to Russian armored forces.