A Russian T-90M Proryv main battle tank is being transported to the United Arab Emirates for display at the IDEX 2025 defense exhibition in Abu Dhabi. This deployment is part of Moscow’s broader strategy to showcase its latest armored warfare technology to potential international buyers. The tank, painted in desert camouflage, was recently observed undergoing preparations for transport, with images first released by Al Arabiya.
According to reports from Russian state media outlet TASS, the T-90M Proryv is regarded by President Vladimir Putin as the most advanced main battle tank in Russia’s arsenal. Its presence at IDEX underscores Moscow’s continued efforts to market its combat-proven military hardware, despite the constraints imposed by Western sanctions on Russian defense exports.
The T-90M Proryv represents the latest evolution of the T-90 platform, integrating an upgraded fire control system, advanced protective measures, and the Kalina targeting suite. While actively deployed in the ongoing conflict in Ukraine, its presentation at IDEX highlights Russia’s attempt to leverage battlefield-tested equipment to secure foreign contracts, particularly in the Middle East, a region that has historically been a key market for Russian armaments.
Alongside the T-90M, Russia will also exhibit a prototype of its Su-57 fifth-generation stealth fighter, another high-profile entry in the expo. The Su-57, previously showcased at a defense exhibition in China, is positioned as Russia’s counterpart to Western platforms like the F-35 and China’s J-20. However, despite extensive promotion, the Su-57 has struggled to achieve significant export success, with production rates remaining relatively low.
The dual showcase of the T-90M and Su-57 at IDEX 2025 signals Russia’s ongoing push to maintain its influence in the global arms market. With rising competition from Western and Chinese defense manufacturers, Moscow is likely to emphasize its combat-tested technology and state-backed financing options to attract buyers.
Technical Overview: T-90M Proryv
The T-90M Proryv is an advanced derivative of the T-90 series, itself an evolution of the Soviet-era T-72. Introduced in the early 2010s, the tank incorporates a series of modernization efforts aimed at addressing previous vulnerabilities and enhancing combat performance.
Armor and Survivability
The T-90M features a redesigned turret, replacing the traditional cast construction of its predecessors with a more robust, multi-layered protection system. The inclusion of the “Relikt” explosive reactive armor (ERA) significantly enhances survivability against kinetic and shaped charge threats, providing a layered defense approach.
Additionally, the T-90M integrates the “Arena-M” active protection system (APS), designed to detect and neutralize incoming anti-tank guided missiles (ATGMs) before impact. This APS, combined with internal safety enhancements such as improved crew ergonomics and isolated ammunition storage, improves battlefield survivability.
Mobility and Propulsion
The tank is powered by the V-92S2F diesel engine, producing approximately 1,130 horsepower. This powerplant enhances mobility, providing a superior power-to-weight ratio compared to earlier models. With a top road speed of around 70 km/h and improved cross-country performance, the T-90M maintains high maneuverability in varied operational environments.
Firepower and Targeting
The T-90M is armed with the 125mm 2A46M-5 smoothbore gun, capable of firing a diverse array of ammunition, including high-explosive, armor-piercing, and the 9M119M Refleks (NATO: AT-11 Sniper) guided missile. This missile system enables engagement of enemy armor at ranges up to 5 km.
The integration of the Kalina fire control system represents a significant upgrade, incorporating a multi-channel sighting system for the gunner with thermal imaging capabilities. The commander’s panoramic sight allows for independent target acquisition, facilitating rapid battlefield engagement. The system also supports real-time data sharing, often referred to as “military Wi-Fi,” to enhance coordinated operations.
Stealth and Electronic Countermeasures
The T-90M can be equipped with “Nakidka” camouflage, reducing its infrared and radar signature to minimize detection by enemy reconnaissance and targeting systems.
Operational Deployment and Market Strategy
The T-90M has been actively deployed in Ukraine, where it has faced both Western and Soviet-era anti-tank systems. While its advanced defenses have improved survivability, battlefield engagements have also exposed vulnerabilities to modern ATGMs and drone warfare, underscoring the evolving nature of armored combat.
Russia’s decision to highlight the T-90M at IDEX 2025 reinforces its efforts to position the tank as a competitive alternative to Western platforms such as the Leopard 2 and M1 Abrams. The tank’s combination of firepower, protection, and cost-effectiveness is likely to appeal to foreign militaries seeking modernized armor solutions without the financial and logistical commitments associated with Western designs.
As geopolitical tensions shape defense procurement trends, Russia’s participation in IDEX 2025 serves as a key platform to promote its military-industrial capabilities and sustain its position in the global arms trade.
