A Russian T-90MS main battle tank is beign tested (by Russians) in the Kuwait desert. The video was originally released by the Russian state-run news agency “RIA“:
Cool video of a T-90MS being tested (by Russians from UVZ) in Kuwait desert https://t.co/Rzk43RNVo5 pic.twitter.com/GD0LxWM0ht
— BM-21 GRAD (@bm21_grad) August 11, 2016
Military Today describes the main battle tank:
The T-90MS is the latest version of the Russian T-90 main battle tank. It is also referred as Tagil. It is a modernized version and has a number of improvements and improved operational capabilities over its predecessor. The Tagil was first revealed in 2011…
The T-90MS Tagil MBT has an improved turret. Survivability of the tank was improved by adding a turret bustle. This combat machine has new composite armor as well as built-in Relikt explosive reactive armor (ERA) in place of the previous Kontakt-5. The Tagil is fitted with side skirts with built-in Relikt ERA. It provides protection against tandem warheads and reduces penetration of APFSDS rounds by over 50%. There is also a Shtora-1 countermeasures system, which significantly reduces the chance of being hit by enemy anti-tank guided weapons with semi-automatic guidance. As usually this tank is fitted with NBC protection and automatic fire suppression systems. Interior is lined with spall liner.
The T-90MS is armed with new 125-mm high-accuracy smoothbore gun. This gun has increased range of fire over the previous weapon. It fires APFSDS, HE and HE-Frag rounds. The Tagil also fires 9K119 Refleks (NATO designation AT-11 Sniper-B) anti-tank guided missiles in the same manner as ordinary munitions. These missiles have a range of 4-5 km and can also engage low-flying helicopters. A total of 40 rounds a carried for the main gun. The T-90MS uses a proven carousel-type autoloader. As with its predecessor 22 rounds are stored in the autoloader and are ready to use. However remaining rounds are stored in a new turret bustle rather than a crew compartment in order to avoid risks of explosion.
Secondary armament consists of coaxial 7.62-mm machine gun and a remotely controlled weapon station, also armed with a 7.62-mm machine gun. Both machine guns are operated under armor.
The T-90MS Tagil has updated observation and aiming devices, new Kalina fire control system. It also has a hunter-killer capability and tracks selected targets automatically. It is claimed that the new tank is 15-20% more accurate than its predecessor.This main battle tank has a crew of three, including commander, gunner and driver.
The T-90MS Tagil is powered by a new V-92S2F turbocharged diesel engine, developing 1 130 hp. Engine is coupled with an automatic transmission with 7 forward and 1 reverse gear. The new tank also has improved suspension and drivetrain. Maximum road speed of this tank has improved over its predecessor. The Tagil is also fitted with auxiliary power unit, which powers all systems when the main engine is turned off. This combat vehicle is fitted with a deep wading kit, that can be installed by tank’s crew within 20 minutes. With a deep wading kit attached it can ford water obstacles up to 5 m deep. The tank is also fitted with a self-entrenching blade.
Is that Shtora thing even working? In Syria I see T-90 tanks getting hit with ATGMs very often.