Russian T‑90M tanks face Ukrainian countermeasures amidst Chasiv Yar siege
The Russians continuously assault the region of the city of Chasiv Yar, one of the main Ukrainian fortresses in the area. It appears that the Russians are deploying units equipped with the best tanks, such as the T-72B3M and the latest version of the T-90M. Let's see how these differ from older models.
It is worth noting that even the mysterious T-90M succumbed to a combination of Ukrainian artillery and anti-tank mines. The destroyed model featured new turret armour that appeared factory-made.
This armour is intended to provide increased protection against FPV drones, similar to the previous cage system. It has been replaced by a single cut armour plate protecting the turret's edges (sides and front), which is installed about 50 centimetres above the main armour.
In addition, there is a second plate at the rear of the turret, where the Russians have been installing a jammer to ensure protection against FPV drones for the past few months. It functions as a roof to protect the system's sensitive antennas from shrapnel. Finally, steel plates can be seen on the frame attached to the engine cover.
The new armour on the T-90M tank - does it offer any benefit?
The new additions are designed to protect against FPV drones, as modern anti-tank measures, such as diving missiles from FGM-148 Javelin systems or Akeron MP or submunitions from Bonus or SMArt 155 missiles, will still penetrate effortlessly.
The situation is worse with FPV drones, which, for Ukrainians, are a poor substitute for guided anti-tank weapons. Even if they are impervious to jammers at certain times, they will not be as effective. Previous attack recordings show they were used to attack tanks' rear hull, now more "built-up," or the upper armour at an angle, e.g., 60 degrees.
In the case of the T-90M with the new armour, a drone would prematurely detonate on the steel plate, and the resulting cumulative jet would not be enough. The solution would be drones with tandem warheads like PG-7VR grenades, but recordings of their use are lacking. This type of warhead has two cumulative charges: the first smaller one creates a breach in the initial obstacle, and the second larger one detonates upon hitting the main armour.
Another option is to attack the centre of the turret roof, where there are no additional steel plates (probably not to hinder crew escape). This would require a nearly vertical flight path, which no "kamikaze" drone can achieve. In this case, only vertical drops of PG-7VL grenades from "Baba Jaga" drones would be an option, which is also not easy.
The Russians can adapt in response to losses, and while most field modifications based on nearby scrap are more or less useless, there are successful projects.
