The Battlefield Tactics Helping Ukraine Take Out Russia’s Advanced T-90 Tanks

In the ongoing conflict in Ukraine, Russian forces have deployed their most advanced main battle tank, the T-90M, touted by President Vladimir Putin as “the best tank in the world.”¹

However, despite its modern features and fearsome reputation, the T-90M has faced significant challenges and losses at the hands of Ukrainian forces.

Here are the secrets behind Ukraine’s success against Russia’s top tanks, which will leave you astonished.

Exploiting Weaknesses: Targeting the T-90M’s Achilles’ Heel

The T-90M, while boasting impressive firepower and protection, is not invincible. Ukrainian forces have identified and exploited vulnerabilities in the tank’s design to gain the upper hand in combat.

One notable weakness is the slow reverse speed of Russian tanks, including the T-90M. This limitation exposes the vehicle to increased risk when attempting to withdraw from an engagement, as it must either retreat slowly or turn around, presenting its weaker rear armor to enemy fire.

Additionally, the joint between the turret and the hull has proven to be a weak spot that Ukrainian troops have targeted with precision.

By focusing their attacks on this critical area, they have successfully disabled and destroyed numerous T-90Ms.

Overwhelming Firepower: The Bradley’s Devastating Impact

In a series of dramatic armored engagements, Ukrainian forces have employed U.S.-supplied M2 Bradley infantry fighting vehicles to devastating effect against Russia’s T-90Ms.

Footage from the Eastern Front near Bakhmut captured the moment when two Bradleys ambushed a T-90M, unleashing a barrage of rounds from their 25mm chain guns and aiming for the tank’s vulnerable points. 

The explosive reactive armor of the T-90M proved ineffective against the relentless assault, with the tank’s turret spinning out of control before it careened into a tree.

The Bradleys’ superior maneuverability and firepower have proven to be a game-changer in close-quarters combat, allowing Ukrainian troops to outmaneuver and overwhelm the heavily armored T-90Ms.

Captured and Redeployed: Turning the Tables on Russia

In a remarkable turn of events, Ukrainian forces have not only destroyed Russian T-90Ms but have also managed to capture and redeploy these formidable tanks against their former owners.

Recent photographs from the front lines in the Sumy region, near the Russian border, show a captured T-90M now operated by Ukrainian soldiers. The successful repositioning of this tank is a testament to the ingenuity and resourcefulness of Ukraine’s military.

By utilizing captured T-90Ms, Ukraine has bolstered its armored capabilities while denying Russia the use of these powerful assets.

Mounting Losses: The T-90M’s Disappointing Performance

Despite the T-90M’s advanced features and reputation, its performance in Ukraine has been underwhelming.

Russian forces have suffered significant losses of these tanks, with over 100 T-90Ms either destroyed, damaged, abandoned, or captured by Ukrainian troops.

The high attrition rate of the T-90M has raised questions about its effectiveness and durability in modern warfare. 

With Russia relying heavily on these tanks due to losses of other armored vehicles, the diminishing numbers of T-90Ms have weakened Russia’s strategic deterrence and combat capabilities.

As the conflict continues, the T-90M’s disappointing showing on the battlefield is a stark reminder that even the most advanced military hardware is not invincible in the face of determined resistance and innovative tactics.

Source:

1. Kyiv Independent