Ukrainian forces seize rare russian T‑90S tank in Donetsk region
One of the Ukrainian brigades operating in the Donetsk region has captured a Russian T-90S tank. This is a particularly rare acquisition as the Russians possess few of these tanks. They initially did not plan to deploy them in Ukraine. Here, we explore the history and capabilities of this vehicle.
This model is part of the renowned Russian T-90 series of tanks, which entered production in 1993. However, the T-90S is an export variant designed by the Russians, with India as a key customer.
When the first T-90S models appeared in Ukraine, local analysts speculated that this indicated at least two problems for the Russians: a scarcity of tank resources in warehouses, being replenished with increasingly unconventional reserves, and difficulties in fulfilling customer requirements. According to analysts, the T-90S tanks currently engaged on the front line are most likely units rejected by Indian authorities due to detected defects or unmet standards.
Ukrainians captured a T-90S tank
The footage shared on social media was recorded near Sievieresk in the Donetsk region. The accompanying information suggests that the captured T-90S tank is functional and retains its operational capabilities. It can be assumed that it will soon return to combat, but now on the Ukrainian side.
The footage shows that the Russians have slightly modified the vehicle, featuring a makeshift mine-clearing plough and additional cages. These have become a common defensive measure used by both sides of the ongoing conflict. This is one method (although not always effective) to protect against FPV (first-person view) kamikaze drones.
Main features of the T-90S
Compared to tanks intended for the Russian army, the T-90S does not include the TszU-1 Shtora-1 electro-optical self-defence system, instead incorporating more space for reactive armour.
Several other key elements of the specification are similar. The T-90S has an engine producing 1,000 horsepower, a 125 mm 2A46M-3 smoothbore gun, and machine guns of 7.62 mm and 12.7 mm calibres.
