BMPT Terminator, T-90M, T-80BVM. IMAGE: TASS/Anton Novoderejkin
The Russian Defense Ministry has signed contracts on the delivery of modernized T-90M and T-80BVM main battle tanks and BMPT Temrinator infantry fighting vehicles with machine building company Uralvagonzavod.
During the ARMY-2017 international military and technical forum, it was announced that the Russian military had signed a contract on the delivery of T-90M battle tanks. However, according to recent reports in the state media, it appeared that the Russians are also modernizing their existing T-90 fleet to T-90M Proryv-3.
According to the data provided by Uralvagonzavod, the T-90M battle tank is passing its tests on time and will likely enter service within several months. A first batch of 42 T-90M battle tanks will reportedly include 42 units of the military equipment. [one tank battalion] In comparison with the T-90, the T-90M Proryv-3 is improved in term of protection, mobility and fire power. Some of these improvements are based on the expirience gained in the Syrian conflict.
T-90M. IMAGE: Uralvagonzavod
The Defense Ministry also signaed a contract on the domernization of the existing T-80 fleet. According to the deal reached on August 24, 2017, Uralvagonzavod should upgrade 62 T-80 tanks to the T-80BVM modification. 31 T-80BVM tanks should be delivered to the military in 2018 and 31 others in 2019.
The T-80BVM has an improved armor protection and is fitted with Relikt explosive reactive armor kit. The battle tank retains a proven 125 mm smoothbore gun, which can fire both shells and guided missiles.
T-80BVM. IMAGE: otvaga2004.mybb.ru
Additionally, the Russian military is obtaining Terminator-3 infantry fighting vehicles. According to Uralvagonzavod, implementation of the Temrinator 3 deal will be finalized in 2019.
Terminator-3. IMAGE: TASS/Anton Novoderejkin
