The T-90 is an advanced development of the T-72BM MBT used by the CIS. It has been upgraded with new systems and components to improve survivability, weapons systems, etc. Many of these systems have been borrowed from the T-80U, such as the SHTORA-1 Electro-Optical Countermeasures Defensive Aid Suite, 2A46M 125mm main gun, and other automotive components. The fire control system has been upgraded considerably.The T-90 also sports the latest generation of explosive reactive armor, Kontakt-5, on the turret, glasis plate, and hull. The T-90 MBT can be fitted with a snorkel and can ford rivers of up to 5 meters. Like the T-80U, the T-90 can fire the 9M119M 'Refleks-M' anti-tank missile from its barrel. The T-90 is also fitted with a full NBC protection system. The T-90 has a more advanced FCS and thermal sighting system than the T-80U, but it also is presumed to be less capable than its Western counterparts.
Russia operates around 200 T-90 MBTs. India operates around 350 T-90s. It can be assumed that the T-90 is merely a stopgap measure, and will only be used in limited numbers due to the financial situation in Russia. Most likely, it will only be used until a more advanced MBT is developed. Until recently, this new main battle tank would have been the Chiorny Oriol (Black Eagle), but new evidence suggests that this MBT has been developed for the export market. Another possibilty is that it has been developed for, or in conjunction with, South Korea. The author considers this unlikely, however; South Korea recently acquired advanced K1 MBTs which are still quite new. The financial situation in Russia has severely hampered military procurement capabilities. Russia currently operates around 30,000 MBTs of various types, but many are outdated and obsolete.
The T-90 is an advanced vehicle, but only 200 are operational! As stated perviously, it is probably only a stopgap measure, only to be used unitl a superior MBT can be developed. But given the circumstances, this is unlikely to happen before 2005. Despite its technical shortcomings, the T-90 MBT is an advanced, capable vehicle with a bright future. It would be conceivable that users of the old T-72 could purchase the T-90 once these tanks have expired. It is of note, however, that many countries, such as the Czech Republic have started upgrade programs for their T-72s. The T-72CZ, for the Czech Republic, is a very comprehensive project. Numerous other upgrades abound for older Cold War-era equippment, and this could prevent orders for newer systems. Another problem that stands in the way of export, this being more advanced Western systems. Western MBTs like the M1 and Leopard 2 have had much export success, and it can presumed that many former-Soviet Eastern Bloc countries would consider these systems over some of the newer Russian systems.
