Russia Increase T-90M Tank Production 1000 Per Year to Reshape Battlefield Power Balance by 2028

Russia has dramatically increased the production of its most advanced battle tank, the T-90M "Proryv," as part of a broader strategy to maintain armored dominance in the ongoing Ukraine conflict and prepare for long-term confrontation with NATO. With current production now estimated at up to 300 tanks per year—five times higher than pre-war levels—Russia aims to hit an ambitious target of 1,000 units annually by 2028. This expansion, centered at the Uralvagonzavod tank plant, is backed by government investment, factory upgrades, and a focused defense industrial policy resilient to Western sanctions.

The T-90M is not just a modern tank; it represents a complete rethink of Russian armored warfare, incorporating battlefield lessons from Syria and Ukraine. Compared to its older T-90 variants, the Proryv features a new 125mm 2A82-1M gun, digital fire control, modern optics, advanced battlefield networking, and heavily reinforced armor. Its Relikt explosive reactive armor (ERA) system, which replaces the older Kontakt-5, offers improved protection against tandem warheads and armor-piercing rounds. The tank also includes additional cage (slat) armor and counter-drone measures to survive modern threats like loitering munitions and FPV drones.

What makes the T-90M stand out is how it blends combat effectiveness with mass production. Russia's vertically integrated manufacturing allows Uralvagonzavod to maintain steady production despite supply-chain restrictions. Unlike Western countries that depend on transnational suppliers and long lead times, Russia builds most tank components domestically, from casted armor hulls to fire-control computers. This makes rapid production scale-ups possible even under heavy sanctions.

On the battlefield, the T-90M has demonstrated high survivability and firepower in support and breakthrough operations. While Russia has lost over 3,000 tanks in the war so far, the steady flow of new T-90Ms—an estimated 540 to 630 built since 2022—has helped refill frontline stocks. Around 130 of these have been confirmed destroyed, meaning roughly 500 are still active or in reserve. As Russia adapts to new battlefield threats, each new batch of T-90Ms includes incremental upgrades, like electronic warfare systems to jam drone signals and advanced smoke screens to evade top-attack missiles.

How the T-90M Stands Against Western Tanks

When compared to NATO-standard tanks like the American M1 Abrams or British Challenger 2, the T-90M holds its ground in surprising ways, especially in the conditions seen on Ukrainian soil:

• Survivability: The T-90M features Relikt ERA, cage armor, and active countermeasures that increase its chances against modern threats like Javelin missiles and drone strikes. In contrast, Abrams tanks supplied to Ukraine lack Trophy active protection systems, making them more vulnerable.

• Firepower: With its new-generation 125mm smoothbore gun and autoloader system, the T-90M can fire a wide range of munitions—including guided missiles—at high speed. Western tanks often rely on manual loading, requiring a fourth crew member and limiting rate of fire.

• Mobility and Crew Efficiency: Weighing less than an Abrams, the T-90M has better fuel efficiency and is easier to transport and maintain, especially on muddy or soft terrain. Its three-man crew layout (thanks to the autoloader) reduces manpower needs while maintaining combat effectiveness.

• Combat Adaptability: The T-90M has been designed with battlefield flexibility in mind, including Arctic and steppe operations. It also integrates more tightly with Russian combined arms doctrine, pairing with infantry and artillery in coordinated assaults. This is unlike NATO doctrine, which relies heavily on air support—something Ukraine cannot always replicate.

• Cost and Scale: T-90Ms are significantly cheaper and faster to produce than Western tanks, making them more suitable for high-intensity conflicts where large numbers matter. While each Abrams or Challenger 2 takes months to deliver and costs millions of dollars, Russia can churn out hundreds of T-90Ms yearly for a fraction of the price.

Powered by a 1,130-hp diesel engine, the T-90M can reach speeds of up to 70 km/h with a range of 550 km. Its secondary weapons include a 7.62mm coaxial machine gun and a 12.7mm remotely controlled heavy machine gun. Newer versions are also being tested with hard-kill active protection systems and drone detectors, signaling Russia’s shift toward even more survivable platforms.

Strategic Implications

If Russia meets its 1,000-per-year production goal by 2028, the T-90M could become a dominant force in Eurasian armored warfare. Its increasing numbers, affordability, and battlefield resilience make it a potent symbol of Russia’s military endurance. For NATO, this poses a growing challenge, especially for countries near the alliance’s eastern flank.

As the war in Ukraine drags on, the T-90M is not only filling the gaps left by battlefield losses but also laying the foundation for Russia’s post-war armored strength. With each passing year, its presence on the battlefield grows—quieter than a missile, slower than a drone, but just as decisive when the breakthrough moment arrives.