IDEX 2025: Does this up-armoured T-90 tank mean Russia has learnt Ukraine war lessons?
The upgraded T-90MS shown at IDEX has many enhancements mainly offering additional protection, especially against top attack weapons. (Photo: author)
After significant losses of the T-90 main battle tank (MBT) in the Ukraine conflict, Russia’s UralVagonZavod has developed and tested a series of upgrades to enhance the survivability of the platform, with the result on display in Abu Dhabi this week.
UralVagonZavod is prime contractor for the T-90 series, with this latest version shown at IDEX 2025 being designated the T-90MS.
Externally, the most obvious addition is a frame mounted on top of the turret which is fitted with woven mesh screens designed to help neutralise top-attack weapons while still allowing situational awareness for the crew.
Explosive-reactive armour (ERA) is fitted to the top of the turret and along the hull sides, front and rear, to provide protection against weapons fitted with a high-explosive anti-tank (HEAT) warhead.
In addition to ERA, hanging chain type devices are hung on some parts of the turret,
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