Kremlin’s cutting-edge tank seized by Ukrainian forces

The capture of the T-90M gives Kyiv and its NATO allies an opportunity to examine Moscow’s most capable operational tank.

The tank was found abandoned with one of its tracks missing. The discovery marks the first chance Ukrainian forces have had to take a look inside a T-90M.

One of Russia’s most advanced tanks has been captured during Ukrainian advances in Kharkiv.

The T-90M was abandoned with one of its tracks missing.

The T-90M became operational just last year. At least one has already been destroyed in Ukraine

Although the Ukrainians have destroyed at least one of the tanks since the invasion began, this is the first time one has been captured — giving Kyiv and its NATO allies an opportunity to examine Moscow’s most capable operational tank.

The tank is less vulnerable to attack from anti-tank weapons and drones than some of the older vehicles in Russian service

At the start of the war Russia used tanks such as the T-72 and T-80 that were built more than 40 years ago. They proved vulnerable to portable anti-tank weapons supplied by NATO and to armed drones such as the Turkish Bayraktar TB2. Hundreds were destroyed. The T-90M was first brought into Ukraine in April but only in small numbers. Russia’s T-14 Armata is more advanced but not officially operational. The first T-90 entered service in 1992, with the T-90M becoming operational in April 2020.

Previously Russian tank manufacturers relied on Western technology but after international sanctions were imposed they had to depend on domestically produced components. The tank has a new gunner’s thermal sight called PNM-T, designed using ­exclusively Russian-made components.

It also has advanced protection against western armour-piercing tank rounds. The tank’s 125mm cannon fires standard shells and anti-tank guided missiles.

The Times