As the protracted conflict in Ukraine continues to exert immense pressure on its military industrial complex, Russia is reportedly significantly ramping up the production of its advanced T-90M main battle tanks. According to recent assessments by the Conflict Intelligence Team (CIT), the nation’s annual output of these formidable armored vehicles could potentially reach between 280 and 300 units in 2024.
This accelerated production pace is a direct response to the heavy attrition suffered by Russia’s armored forces in Ukraine. With its usable tank reserves nearing exhaustion, the Kremlin is compelled to prioritize domestic manufacturing to sustain long-term combat operations and replenish battlefield losses.
CIT estimates that since the full-scale invasion began, Russia has produced between 540 and 630 T-90M tanks, a testament to its industrial capacity despite international sanctions. However, more than 130 of these modern tanks have already been destroyed, damaged, or captured, highlighting the intense nature of the fighting.
The T-90M, often touted as Russia’s most capable operational tank, features significant upgrades over older T-90 variants, including improved armor, a more powerful engine, an enhanced fire control system, and a modernized cannon. Its increased production aims to provide Russian forces with a qualitative edge, even as they face a formidable array of Western-supplied anti-tank weapons and sophisticated tactics.
Despite the apparent success in increasing output, the report also acknowledges that Russia continues to face considerable difficulties in sourcing high-tech components due to stringent international export controls and sanctions. This challenge suggests that while Russia has managed to maintain and even boost production through various means, sustained and expanded international pressure on supply chains remains a critical factor in limiting its long-term ability to further scale up its defense manufacturing.
The ramp-up in T-90M production underscores Russia’s determination to maintain its military might and sustain its objectives in Ukraine. It also serves as a stark reminder of the industrial scale of the conflict and the ongoing race between battlefield demands and national manufacturing capabilities.