Exhibition T-90MS from IDEX 2025 Deployed to Ukraine Battlefield after Cosmetic Repaint, Says Manufacturer

A T-90MS main battle tank, once showcased in desert camouflage at the IDEX 2025 defence exhibition in the United Arab Emirates, has now been repainted and deployed to frontline service in Ukraine, according to a statement from UralVagonZavod, Russia’s main tank manufacturer. The unusual move underscores Moscow’s urgency to field upgraded vehicles amid rising battlefield losses.

From Expo Floor to Combat Zone

The tank had been part of Russia’s display pavilion in Abu Dhabi earlier this year, where it was presented to potential foreign buyers in desert camouflage. After its return to Russia, the tank was repainted into standard military green and delivered directly to Russian troops.

UralVagonZavod stated that the vehicle was transferred to the armed forces “in nearly the same configuration as it was shown at the exhibition.” The only official change confirmed was the camouflage pattern.

Features and Upgrades

The T-90MS is the export-oriented variant of Russia’s T-90M Proryv, incorporating lessons from recent combat operations. The version displayed at IDEX featured:

• Slat and mesh armour to protect against drones and portable anti-tank weapons.

• Reactive armour panels on the hull and turret.

• Enhanced optics and fire control systems for improved targeting.

• Potential electronic counter-drone measures, reflecting battlefield threats in Ukraine.

These additions highlight Russia’s adaptation to the growing use of first-person-view drones and precision anti-tank systems on the front.

Strategic Significance

While demonstration models are usually reserved for export marketing, Russia’s decision to field an exhibition tank reflects the strain on its armour inventory. Losses of modern tanks in Ukraine have created pressure on UralVagonZavod to make every available vehicle combat-ready.

This step also signals that the same advanced upgrades showcased abroad are being adopted domestically, narrowing the line between Russia’s export pitch and battlefield needs.

What Remains Unclear

The manufacturer did not reveal which unit received the tank or where it was deployed. Nor is it clear whether all the systems displayed at IDEX were fully functional in the combat-ready version, or whether some were mock-ups for exhibition purposes. Independent battlefield sightings of this particular vehicle have yet to be confirmed.

Broader Implications

The deployment of the IDEX 2025 T-90MS illustrates how Russia is re-purposing even exhibition assets for the war effort. It highlights both the demand for modern armour and the rapid incorporation of battlefield feedback into production models. For international buyers, it also demonstrates that platforms offered for export are closely aligned with those in active Russian service, potentially increasing their credibility as “combat-tested” systems.