Ukrainian forces seize prized T‑90M tank in Kursk offensive
A recording has surfaced online showing another valuable trophy that has fallen into the hands of Ukrainian units participating in the offensive in Kursk Oblast. It is a T-90M, the best tank currently available to the Russian army. We outline its key features.
The Ukrainians' actions in Kursk Oblast are accompanied by significant equipment losses, but as reported on 20 August by RBK-Ukraine, citing the General Staff in Kyiv, the Russian troops have only managed to slow down but not stop the ongoing offensive. As a result, the Ukrainians systematically destroyed and captured Russian equipment. They have already captured three T-80BVM tanks and now an even more valuable T-90M tank.
T-90M captured by Ukrainians in Kursk Oblast
No information has been provided on the circumstances under which this Russian T-90M was captured. However, social media has shown a recording indicating that the tank is being towed to areas controlled by Ukrainians. It appears to be in good condition, so it is possible that after repairs to minor damage, it will soon return to the battlefield, but this time against the Russians. This would not be the first such case.
The T-90M is a valuable Russian tank for both military and financial purposes. It is estimated that one unit costs around 4.5 million dollars. It is called "Putin's pride." The Russian president personally oversaw the production of prototypes, and in speeches, he has emphasised that it is the "best tank in the world."
The best tank in Russian service
The first T-90 M units entered service in 2021. They are the best tanks the Russians are using during the war with Ukraine. However, they have not turned out as good as Putin would have liked. The Ukrainians inspected earlier captured units and concluded that the T-90M was a "failure instead of a breakthrough."
The T-90M is equipped with a 125 mm 2A46M-5 cannon. Unlike most older Russian tanks, it has a modern fire control system with a thermal imaging camera, and it is also adapted to use a wider range of anti-tank ammunition.
The T-90 M's construction has been reinforced with modular reactive armour Relikt (made of two layers of bricks), which protects the hull and turret. Auxiliary armament includes two machine guns—7.62 mm and 12.7 mm. With a power of 1,000 HP, the engine allows this tank to accelerate to about 40 mph.
