NIZHNY TAGIL, RUSSIA — May 10,2026 : Uralvagonzavod, part of the Rostec state corporation, has delivered a new batch of T-90M “Proryv,” T-80BVM, and T-72B3M main battle tanks to the Russian Armed Forces. The transfer was announced on May 9, 2026, ahead of Russia’s Victory Day commemorations.
The company stated that all vehicles completed factory testing and were formally accepted by military representatives before being transferred to operational units. The exact number of tanks delivered was not disclosed.
Modernized Tank Fleet
The delivered vehicles represent upgraded versions of Soviet-era armored platforms currently used by Russian ground forces. All three tank models are equipped with 125 mm smoothbore guns, though they differ in armor configuration, engines, electronics, and battlefield support systems.
Russian defense industry officials stated that the latest production batch incorporates modifications based on operational experience from the ongoing conflict in Ukraine. The upgrades are focused primarily on improving survivability against drones, loitering munitions, anti-tank guided missiles, and artillery threats.
T-90M “Proryv”
The T-90M is regarded in Russia as the most advanced operational tank within the T-72/T-90 family. The vehicle features a redesigned welded turret, Relikt explosive reactive armor, and upgraded fire-control systems including the Kalina and Sosna-U targeting complexes.
The tank is also equipped with a remotely operated combat module carrying a 12.7 mm machine gun, allowing the commander to engage targets without leaving the protected interior of the vehicle.
Russian sources describe the T-90M as the most modern and expensive serially produced tank currently fielded by the Russian military.
T-80BVM and T-72B3M Upgrades
The T-80BVM modernization retains the platform’s gas turbine engine, which is designed to provide high mobility and operational reliability in cold-weather environments. The newest variants include updated Relikt armor arrangements and additional protection systems.
The T-72B3M remains one of the primary tanks used by Russian armored units. The upgraded version includes a more powerful V-92S2F engine, enhanced thermal imaging systems for the gunner, and improved fire-control equipment intended to increase battlefield effectiveness.
Industry reports indicate that Uralvagonzavod and associated facilities continue to modernize older T-72 and T-80 hulls while simultaneously manufacturing newly built T-90M tanks.
Additional Protective Systems
A major feature of the latest delivery is the installation of factory-produced additional protective structures designed to counter drone attacks.
These include anti-drone screens, commonly referred to as slat armor or “cope cages,” which are mounted above the turret and intended to disrupt the shaped charges carried by FPV drones and loitering munitions before impact with thinner upper armor sections.
The tanks are also reported to include localized electronic warfare systems, including the Volnorez suite, designed to jam radio frequencies used by unmanned aerial vehicles.
Additional explosive reactive armor coverage has reportedly been added to side skirts, turret sections, and rear areas of the vehicles to improve protection against anti-tank weapons.
Production and Battlefield Context
Russian defense industry officials stated that the latest modifications were introduced after receiving feedback from frontline crews operating in Ukraine. Rostec has emphasized that new production vehicles are being adapted to current battlefield conditions with increased attention to 360-degree protection and survivability.
Uralvagonzavod continues to serve as Russia’s primary manufacturer of main battle tanks under the state defense order. Reports from Russian industry sources indicate that the company has expanded production capacity and moved toward a continuous manufacturing cycle to meet increased procurement requirements.
Despite the upgrades, all three tank models have sustained documented losses during the Russian-Ukrainian conflict. The first confirmed destruction of a T-90M was reported in 2022, and Ukrainian forces later captured intact examples of the tank during operations in the Kharkiv region.
Military analysts and Ukrainian officials have stated that while the new anti-drone protection measures may reduce vulnerability to light UAV attacks, the vehicles remain exposed to heavy anti-tank guided missiles, artillery strikes, and advanced battlefield drones.
The latest delivery reflects Russia’s continued focus on replacing combat losses through modernization of existing armored platforms rather than large-scale deployment of next-generation systems such as the T-14 Armata.
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