In a recent interview with the Russian news agency RIA Novosti about the forthcoming IDEX-2025 exhibition, scheduled for February 17-21 in the UAE, Bekhan Ozdoev, the industrial director of the weapons, ammunition, and special chemicals cluster at Rostec, revealed that the event will feature “the best serial production tank in the world.” He indicated that this tank could represent a significant opportunity for foreign partners.
Ozdoev noted, “The T-90MS tank that Rosoboronexport will showcase at the exhibition is not the same model we presented at IDEX-2015. This is an export variant that has been tested in the Special Military Operation [the conflict in Ukraine]. It includes substantial enhancements across all systems. We have not previously displayed this version internationally.”
Sources from Rostec have reported that the tank is equipped with an upgraded, comprehensive multi-layered protection system designed to defend against RPGs, anti-tank guided missiles, and the increasingly common FPV drones. Additionally, it features state-of-the-art fire control systems, advanced optics, modernized interfaces, and a wide array of ammunition options. “It offers remarkable firepower,” Ozdoev highlighted.
The latest iteration of the T-90MS seems to be a direct answer to the changing threats seen in contemporary warfare. While specific details regarding its upgrades remain confidential, the focus on survivability and lethality indicates that Russian engineers have learned valuable lessons from the battlefield. The decision to unveil this enhanced version at IDEX-2025 underscores Moscow’s strategy to strengthen its foothold in the competitive global arms market, particularly targeting Middle Eastern and Asian clients.
Russia has consistently promoted the T-90 series as a budget-friendly alternative to Western main battle tanks, emphasizing its effective combination of firepower, protection, and mobility. The latest iteration, the T-90MS, incorporates modifications based on frontline experiences, aiming to reinforce this established reputation.
“At IDEX 2025, Rosoboronexport is showcasing a wide array of new products from the Russian defense sector, marking a significant development in recent years. Featured prominently are the T-90MS, touted as the best MBT globally in its upgraded form, alongside the Pantsir-SMD-E SAM system, KUB next-generation loitering munitions, the Kornet-EM ATGM system with remote control capabilities, the new Bulat missile, and the Berezhok crew compartment. Our exhibit reflects Russia’s holistic strategy in the development and enhancement of various weapon systems, informed by insights gained from contemporary combat experiences. This approach has already facilitated contracts exceeding $4.5 billion with 15 allied nations in 2025,” stated Rosoboronexport Director General Alexander Mikheev in a communication to BulgarianMilitary.com.
The extent to which the T-90MS will resonate in a market increasingly favoring Western and domestic armored solutions remains uncertain; however, its introduction at IDEX-2025 is expected to attract significant interest from military analysts and prospective buyers.
The T-90M Proryv represents the pinnacle of the T-90 series, featuring substantial advancements in firepower, protection, mobility, and battlefield situational awareness.
As an upgrade to the T-90A, it boasts a modernized fire control system, enhanced armor, and improved communication capabilities, positioning it as one of the most powerful main battle tanks currently in service with the Russian military.
While maintaining the fundamental design of its predecessors, which includes a three-person crew comprising a commander, gunner, and driver, it integrates cutting-edge technologies that greatly augment its combat capabilities.
The T-90M’s primary weapon is the 125mm 2A46M-4 smoothbore gun, which enhances precision and is compatible with a diverse array of munitions. This includes armor-piercing fin-stabilized discarding sabot (APFSDS) rounds, high-explosive anti-tank (HEAT) rounds, high-explosive fragmentation shells, and guided missiles like the 9M119M Refleks, which can effectively target both armored vehicles and aerial threats at considerable distances.
This main armament is supported by an upgraded autoloader that increases the rate of fire and lessens the burden on the crew. Additionally, the tank is equipped with a coaxial 7.62mm PKTM machine gun and a 12.7mm Kord heavy machine gun mounted on the roof in a remotely operated station, allowing the commander to engage threats while remaining protected from enemy fire.
The fire control system has seen substantial enhancements with the Kalina system, which features a multi-channel sighting complex, an automatic target tracking capability, and a sophisticated ballistic computer.
The gunner utilizes the Sosna-U sight, which includes a thermal imaging camera, a laser rangefinder, and an independent stabilization system, ensuring high accuracy in various lighting conditions. The commander benefits from a panoramic sight with comparable features, facilitating hunter-killer tactics where the commander can assign targets to the gunner while actively monitoring the battlefield for additional threats.
The digital battlefield management system significantly improves coordination among units and delivers real-time situational awareness, keeping the crew updated on enemy locations and the movements of friendly forces.
The protection capabilities have been substantially upgraded with the implementation of Relikt explosive reactive armor, which provides enhanced defense against contemporary armor-piercing and tandem-charge munitions, surpassing the previous Kontakt-5 ERA. Additionally, the tank features bar-slat armor at the rear to defend against rocket-propelled grenades, along with an advanced composite armor package for the turret and hull.
In certain configurations, the T-90M is equipped with the Afghanit active protection system, capable of detecting and neutralizing incoming anti-tank guided missiles. Furthermore, the Shtora-1 electro-optical jamming system offers soft-kill protection by disrupting enemy laser guidance and rangefinding capabilities. The tank also includes an automatic fire suppression system and overpressure NBC protection to shield the crew from chemical, biological, and nuclear threats.
Mobility enhancements are achieved through the installation of the V-92S2F diesel engine, which generates 1,130 horsepower, providing a power-to-weight ratio that supports high-speed maneuvers across challenging terrains.
The tank features an upgraded transmission system and enhanced running gear, including reinforced torsion bars and hydraulic shock absorbers, which improve ride quality and stability during off-road operations. The tracks have been optimized for superior grip and durability, thereby extending the tank’s operational range and reliability.
Designed with modularity in mind, the T-90M allows for future upgrades and adaptability to various combat situations. The integration of digital communication systems ensures compatibility with contemporary command and control networks, thereby enhancing its capability to engage in network-centric warfare.
The Proryv variant of the T-90 presents a more ergonomic crew compartment than its predecessors, featuring enhanced instrumentation and displays that help minimize crew fatigue and boost combat effectiveness. With its integration of advanced sensors, both active and passive protection systems, along with enhanced mobility, the T-90M stands out as a formidable and resilient main battle tank in contemporary combat scenarios.
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