Russian T‑90M tank's fake armour raises security concerns
The Russian T-90M tank, praised by President Vladimir Putin as one of the best tanks in the world, has undergone numerous upgrades. Some of these are quite surprising. A good example is the bricks mounted on the vehicle, which were likely intended to serve as reactive armour blocks.
The Russians are enhancing their tanks' protection level by adding various elements—from anti-drone cages to reactive armour blocks. However, as reported by Bulgarian Military service, these are not always what they seem. Photos published on social media reveal a concerning modification. They show a destroyed T-90M tank, where the reactive armour blocks were disguised as ordinary bricks.
T-90M weakened by "upgrades"
"The tank, which was supposed to be a fortress on the battlefield, fell victim to sabotage long before reaching the front line. Its armour, made of bricks, doomed it to certain destruction," stated the Bulgarian Military publication. The photos of the destroyed T-90M show further alarming details, highlighting shortcomings in the tank's protective mechanisms. This includes, among other things, removing key elements of the modular reactive armour Relikt on the turret and front part of the hull.
It is unclear whether the absence of these elements is due to budget cuts or other circumstances. The gaps in the tank's protection effectively deprive it of the necessary upgrades to conduct effective combat and survive on the modern battlefield, where threats include anti-tank missiles, mines, and commonly used drones.
The T-90M "Proryv" is considered one of the most modern achievements of the Russian army. This tank, in service since 2020, is equipped with a 2A46M-5 125 mm cannon and an advanced fire control system "Kalina". The construction also utilises modular reactive armour "Relikt", providing increased protection for the hull and turret. Thanks to a 1,000-horsepower engine, the T-90M reaches speeds of about 65 kph, making it highly mobile on the battlefield.
Despite its advanced technology, the T-90M faces criticism, mainly from the Ukrainian armed forces, which frequently analyse captured units. It has been found that the microelectronics in the tank are vulnerable to damage, and the technical solutions used are based on older models, such as the T-72. Furthermore, difficulties in radio communication pose an additional problem for the crew. Even with praise from Vladimir Putin, who called the tank "the best in the world," it transpires that the T-90M often loses battles, including those against Ukrainian drones.
