During the Cold War, the number of different tank types the Soviet Union maintained often puzzled Western analysts. Eight distinct families of tanks were operated, supported, and modernized simultaneously (the PT-76, T-10, T-54, T-55, T-62, T-64, T-72 and T-80). The end of the Soviet Union appeared to signal the demise of the philosophy of multiple tank lines. Following the debacle that was the T-80 in Grozny, the T-90 and T-72 were the only tanks that appeared to be receiving significant attention from the military (T80Us and T-80UEs were only refit and modernized in small numbers). This appeared to be a cost saving measure, as both are produced and supported at the Uralvagonzavod tank plant. However, the reemergence of the T-80 series in the T-80BVM along with the continued development of the T-72 and T-90 predicate a return to the operation and development of multiple types of tanks for the Russian Federation. But how do these tanks differ? Do some tanks provide significant advantages over others?

Recommended: America Can't Shoot Down a North Korean Nuke 

Most recent attention has been focused on the T-72 tank line in Russian service. The appearance of T-72B3s in Ukraine has cemented attention on it as the new premier MBT (Main Battle Tank) in Russian service. Indeed, the T-72B3 is slated to be the frontline MBT in Russian service until the Armata is produced in significant numbers. Overall, the T-72B3 is an upgrade in capabilities from the T-72B and T-72BA variants it will be replacing. A new engine increases its tactical mobility. Improved Relikt ERA (explosive reactive armor) increases the protection against all threats. The addition of the Sosna-U thermal gunner sight (in tandem to the regular 1A40-4 sighting complex) improves the ability of the T-72B3 to detect targets and fight in adverse environmental conditions. The main 2A46 gun has been updated to fire newer rounds. The T-72B3M, a further update of the T-72B3 adds in the PK-PAN thermal commander sight, which allows the commander to independently search for targets, and then slew the turret to engage them (hunter-killer ability). As this is a fairly commonplace capability on Western tanks—called the Commander’s Independent Thermal Viewer (CITV) on the American M1A2, and the PERI-R17A2 on the Leopard 2A5—this brings the observation and situational awareness capabilities of the T-72B3M to rough parity with Western vehicles.

Recommended: The Case for War with North Korea

The T-80 tank line is also receiving modernizations. The T-80BVM is the most modern variant of the T-80. It too features a Sosna-U, however, it does not retain the traditional 1G42 optical sight. Rather, the Sosna-U takes the role of the primary gunner sight. The backup PDT sight is less capable, lacking the advanced target lead and GLATGM (gun launched anti-tank guided missile) guidance capability of the Sosna and 1A40-4 sights. This gives the T80BVM less systems redundancy compared to the T-72B3. However the T-80BVM is more ergonomic. Due to the Sosna-U being the primary gunner sight, it is directly in front of the gunner station in the tank. On the T72B3, it is off to the side, making rapid utilization more difficult and prolonged use more discomforting. The T-80 also receives similar upgrades in other aspects to the T72B3. However, it also retains the traditional strength of the T-80 series, the gas turbine engine. The gas turbine engine produces greater horsepower than the T-72B3, giving the T-80BVM a greater horsepower to ton ratio. The engine also has better performance in arctic conditions, starting in temperatures as low as 40 degrees Celsius. With regards to protection, the T-80BVM uses Relikt ERA, putting the protection roughly on par with the T-72B3. The layout of the Relikt armor seems to be a rough equal of that on the T-72B3, with a V shaped ring of plates around the turret. The T-80BVM overall is a roughly comparable tank to the T-72B3, with better tactical mobility. However it lacks the advanced independent commander thermal sight capability present on the T-72B3M.

Recommended: China's New Stealth Fighter Has Arrived 

The T-90M “Breakthrough-3” is the third MBT in development. In January 2017 it was reported that all T-90 tanks in Russian service will undergo this modernization. These tanks are receiving deeper modernizations than the T-72B3, with the new 2A82 gun slated to be installed (the current T-90M, T-72B3 and T-80BVM use modernized versions of the original 2A46 gun used on the original designs). The new gun allows for the use of longer rounds, increasing the possible penetration of each shot. The caliber remains the same (125mm), allowing for compatibility with legacy ammunition for other types of rounds. The T-90M also includes an independent commander’s thermal sight for hunter-killer capability. A thermal gunner’s sight is also included, however reports conflict as to the models, with some saying that the sight will be the Irbis-K gunner's thermal sight with all-Russian internal components. However others have pointed out that the T-90Ms on display have only been fitted with the Sosna-U gunner sight and PK PAN commander sight, both of which still include French components. However the Irbis sight has been cleared for production, so it could appear on the T-90M later in production. With regards to protection, the T-90Ms seen in the field use Relikt like the T-72B3 and T-80BVM, however T-90M also makes extensive use of slat armor with slat panels protecting the turret ring and rear chassis. The T-90M also retains the Shtora Active Protection System (APS) from earlier T-90 variants. The distinctive “eyes” that formed the Shtora jamming component are removed, but the capability to detect missile launches and automatically deploy smoke is retained. The T-72B3 and T-80BVM lack this capability. The T-90M is slated to be fit with the improved Malachit ERA, which provides increased production relative to the Relikt ERA present on the T-72B3 and T-80BVM. There are also plans to equip the T-90M with the Afghanit APS. However there have been no photos of T-90M with Afghanit or Malachit (Malachit is recognizable by the increased thickness of the ERA bricks relative to earlier generations of ERA, Afghanit by the sensors and hardkill components).

Charlie Gao studied Political and Computer Science at Grinnell College.

Image: Reuters

RECOMMENDED: 

What a War Between NATO and Russia Would Look Like. 

What a War Between America and China Would Look Like. 

What a War Between China and Japan Would Look Like.