In accordance with the previously announced plans, the promising T-90M Proryv main battle tank has completed state tests. Now the Ministry of Defense will have to analyze their results and carry out several organizational procedures, after which the supply of serial equipment for combat units will begin.
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The start of state tests of the T-90M became known a few months ago. In the future, the officials confirmed this information and clarified the timing of the necessary measures. So, at the end of November last year, the commander-in-chief of the ground forces, General of the Army Oleg Salyukov, said that the state tests of several new models of equipment would be completed in the near future - incl. MBT T-90M. After that, serial production starts.
In the last days of December, Deputy Defense Minister Alexei Krivoruchko announced more precise dates. The state tests of "Breakthrough" were planned to be completed by the end of the month. Based on the test results, the Ministry of Defense will have to make a decision on the acceptance of the tank into service and the launch of serial production.
On February 5, RIA Novosti, with reference to a representative of the NPK Uralvagonzavod, announced the completion of state tests of the T-90M. The tank successfully coped with the checks, which opens the way for him to join the troops. Now its further fate depends on the customer represented by the Ministry of Defense. It must analyze the test results, and then carry out acceptance into service and start the series.
Existing contracts
It should be noted that contracts for the serial production of T-90M tanks already exist - they appeared long before the completion of state tests and the official adoption of equipment for service. In addition, the command noted that the supply of tanks had already begun.
The Ministry of Defense and NPK UVZ signed the first contract for the supply of T-90M tanks at the Army-2017 forum. This document provided for the production of 30 tanks of a new model - both built from scratch and rebuilt from the existing T-90A. Deliveries were supposed to start in 2018, but later their start was postponed to 2019.
A year later, at the Army-2018 forum, another agreement was signed. From unofficial sources then it became known that the contract again provides for the supply of 30 tanks, but now we are talking only about new-built vehicles.
Army-2019 has once again become a platform for signing contracts for the supply of equipment. NPK UVZ has received several large orders, incl. for the construction and modernization of tanks to the level of T-90M. The specialized media reported that the new contract provides for the production of hundreds of tanks with delivery over the next few years.
Thus, to date, about 160 T-90M MBTs have been contracted, both new construction and intended for conversion from existing equipment. Some of the ordered tanks are already ready. So, in early October, the commander-in-chief of the ground forces, General Salyukov, announced that the army was receiving the first "Breakthroughs". In parallel, the development of other domestic MBT is being carried out.
The Ministry of Defense will have to carry out the necessary procedures for the adoption of the new tank into service. By the time they are completed and the corresponding orders appear, the troops will already have a certain number of tanks of the new type. In addition, the industry has already managed to master the production of the T-90M from scratch and the restructuring from the equipment of previous modifications - this will allow obtaining the desired rate of supply of tanks to the troops and carrying out the rearmament within the required time frame.
Replacement issues
The main goal of the T-90M project is to carry out a deep modernization of a part of the T-90 / T-90A MBT fleet and to supplement these machines with new production equipment. Due to the use of modern components and assemblies, the T-90M "Breakthrough" tank surpasses its predecessors in all basic tactical and technical characteristics, which should have a positive effect on the overall performance of the ground forces.
According to open domestic and foreign sources, at present there are approx. 350 T-90 (A) tanks. Another approx. 200 cars are in storage. In accordance with the existing contracts, the army will receive 160 tanks of the latest modification with improved characteristics. Of these tanks, stipulated in three contracts, only a few dozen will be rebuilt. The vast majority of vehicles are planned to be rebuilt from existing MBTs.
According to some estimates, the T-90M project makes it possible to make updated equipment not only from the T-90A tanks, but also from the T-90 of the basic modification. This will allow taking tanks for modernization not only from combat units, but also from storage. Thanks to this, it becomes possible not only to modernize the existing "active" fleet, but also to supplement it with updated equipment from storage.
The Ministry of Defense has not yet clarified plans of this kind. The number of tanks of the T-90 family and the proportion of different modifications after the fulfillment of current orders remain unknown. Perhaps this issue will be clarified in the future.
Advantages of the novelty
The T-90M project provides for a comprehensive modernization of the existing tank with the upgrade of all major systems and a corresponding increase in characteristics and capabilities. At the same time, a high degree of standardization remains, which simplifies operation.
The issues of increasing combat stability and survivability have been resolved through the use of additional means of protection. Own armor of the hull and turret is complemented by relict-type reactive armor and lattice screens. The possibility of installing an active protection complex is being considered.
Internal volumes have been reorganized taking into account possible threats and risk reduction. The inhabited compartments received an anti-splinter lining that protects the crew and equipment from the secondary flow of debris. Part of the ammunition was moved from the fighting compartment to the turret aft niche. Comfortable working conditions for the crew are provided by an air conditioner and a heater.
The standard 2A46 cannon can be replaced by the 2A82-1M gun with increased combat characteristics. A deep modernization of the fire control system has been carried out to meet modern requirements. Now all processes of preparation for a shot are carried out only with digital equipment. A DBM with a large-caliber machine gun is installed on the turret, allowing it to fire without leaving the protected volume.
The effectiveness of combat work is significantly increased due to the inclusion of the tank in a unified tactical control system. The corresponding devices for the Breakthrough were developed by the Sozvezdie concern. With their help, the tank can exchange data on the situation on the battlefield, receive target designation, etc.
Tanks of the future
According to various estimates, as a result of such modernization, the combat qualities and potential of the tank increase significantly. Accordingly, mass production and mastering of promising technology will most noticeably affect the combat capability of the ground forces. 150-160 tanks with modern equipment and weapons are quite capable of becoming a serious force.
However, not only the improved T-90M tank is of great importance for the army. The upgraded T-72B3 has been supplied for a long time and in large quantities, and the promising T-14 is also expected to be adopted. Thus, the T-90M, which has not yet been put into service, is an element of a major program to modernize the fleet of armored vehicles. And the completion of his tests becomes the most important event in the framework of this program.
