The T-90S is an export variant of the Russian T-90 main battle tank (MBT), which has been one of Russia’s most advanced and widely exported tanks since its introduction in the 1990s. Here’s an overview of the T-90S:
1. Development & Overview
Introduced: Late 1990s as a more cost-effective and simplified version of the T-90 for international markets.
Manufacturer: Uralvagonzavod in Russia.
Role: Main battle tank for export customers, with advanced firepower, protection, and mobility.
2. Key Features
Firepower:
Main Gun: 125mm 2A46M smoothbore gun, capable of firing a variety of ammunition, including armor-piercing fin-stabilized discarding sabot (APFSDS), high-explosive anti-tank (HEAT), and high-explosive fragmentation (HEF) rounds.
ATGM Capability: Can fire 9M119 Refleks (AT-11 Sniper) anti-tank guided missiles (ATGMs) through the main gun, giving it the ability to engage targets up to 5 km away.
Coaxial & Secondary Armament: 7.62mm PKT machine gun and a 12.7mm NSVT heavy machine gun for anti-air and infantry roles.
Protection:
Armor: Composite armor with advanced Kontakt-5 explosive reactive armor (ERA) for increased protection against shaped charges and kinetic penetrators.
Shtora-1 APS: An electro-optical jamming system designed to confuse and disrupt incoming laser-guided missiles.
Smoke Grenade Launchers: Provides defensive measures to mask the tank’s movement and reduce visibility to enemies.
Mobility:
Engine: V-92S2 diesel engine with 1,000 hp.
Top Speed: Approximately 60-65 km/h (37-40 mph) on roads, with decent off-road capability.
Range: Around 550-700 km depending on additional fuel tanks.
3. Operational Use
The T-90S has been exported to several countries, including India, Algeria, Vietnam, and Azerbaijan. It has seen action in multiple conflict zones, demonstrating reliability in diverse conditions.
India operates a large fleet of T-90S tanks, locally produced as the "Bhishma," and it forms the backbone of their armored forces.
4. Upgrades
T-90MS: A modernized version of the T-90S with better armor, improved fire control, more powerful engine, and a digital communications suite. This version also has better mobility and survivability on the battlefield.
