Jens Asbjørn Bøgen
The winner higly depends on the situation on the battefield.
As the Russian invasion of Ukraine drags on, soon entering its fourth year, tensions between Russia and the West are increasing as well.
The Trump administration has reportedly drafted a 28-point plan on how to bring peace to Ukraine, but we do not yet know if the terms are acceptable to Ukraine.
During the war in Ukraine, Russia has also ramped up its domestic military capabilities, and troops, vehicles, and equipment are being deployed near NATO’s eastern flank in increasing numbers.
The fear of a direct confrontation between NATO and Russia is rising, and that begs the question: If a full-scale conflict between Russia and NATO actually broke out, who would win?
The tech war
If the war in Ukraine has taught us anything, it’s that modern warfare is highly dependent on the development of equipment that can adapt to the situation on the battlefield.
Advancements in military equipment are happening at lightning speed, but some weapons and vehicles take years to develop.
In a series of articles, we will try to compare the most modern Russian military equipment with its Western counterparts one by one.
And we’ll start by comparing the U.S. M1 Abrams tank with the Russian T-90.
Note: There are different versions of the two tanks, but we compare only the M1 Abrams and the T-90 models.
The specs on the M1 Abrams
- Weight: 61.3 tonnes (numbers vary depending on source)
- Ground clearance: 19 inches (0.48 m)
- Main weapon: 120 mm rifled cannon (varies depending on source)
- Secondary weapon: 1 × 12.7 mm machine gun, 2 × 7.62 mm machine guns
- 66 mm Grenade Launcher M250 for smoke grenades
- Targeting system: Advanced digital FCS with thermal imaging
- Armor: Composite, steel, depleted-uranium mesh
- Engine: 1,500 HP (AGT1500 multifuel turbine)
- Top speed: 42 mph (67.7 km/h) (numbers vary depending on source)
- Top speed cross-country: 25 mph (over 40 km/h) (numbers vary depending on source)
- Operational range: 280 miles (450.6 km)
- Crew: 4 (commander, gunner, driver, loader)
The specs on the T-90
- Weight: 46.5 tonnes (numbers vary depending on source)
- Ground clearance: 19.3 inches (0.49 m)
- Main weapon: 125 mm smoothbore gun (varies depending on source)
- Secondary weapon: 1 × 12.7 mm Kord heavy machine gun, 1 × 7.62 mm PKMT
- Targeting system: 1A45T Irtysh integrated FCS
- Armor: Steel-composite-reactive blend
- Engine: 1,250 HP (V-92S2 diesel)
- Top speed: 37.3 mph (60 km/h) (numbers vary depending on source)
- Top speed cross-country: 18.6–24.9 mph (30–40 km/h) (numbers vary depending on source)
- Operational range: 340 miles (550 km)
- Crew: 3 (commander, gunner, driver)
Comparing maintenance
The M1 Abrams is designed with modular components to make maintenance easy. This can decrease downtime and potentially allow for quick field repairs.
On the other hand, the M1 Abrams is more expensive to produce and maintain than the T-90, allowing the Russians to deploy a larger number of tanks.
Terrain considerations
Looking at ground clearance, the two tanks have almost identical specs, but given the lighter weight of the T-90, it might be more maneuverable and better able to cross difficult terrain than the M1 Abrams.
That being said, the M1 Abrams would be able to outrun or intercept the T-90 given the higher top speed on both road and cross-country.
Manpower needs
Given that the M1 Abrams needs four crew members to operate compared to the three needed for the T-90, the Russians have a slight advantage in terms of personnel requirements.
That being said, the M1 Abrams would probably have a battlefield advantage due to its superior optics and fire-control system.
The “extras”
Both tanks have considerable firepower, but when looking at the “extra” features, there are some differences.
The Abrams has a smoke-grenade launcher, allowing it to conceal its movements. The T-90, on the other hand, has a system that can disrupt enemy laser-guidance systems as well as offer some protection against certain anti-tank missiles.
So, is there a “winner”?
While the M1 Abrams seems superior in many areas, the T-90 does have some advantages.
Determining which of the tanks is the better choice depends heavily on the battlefield situation and terrain, as the strengths and weaknesses of each can be amplified or diminished if deployed in the right conditions.
That being said, the M1 Abrams is generally considered the better option due to its superior armor, more powerful engine, and more advanced fire-control systems.
Sources: AFV Database, Strategic Bureau of Information on Defense Systems, Tank Encyclopedia, Newsweek, Army Recognition, Army Technology, Weaponsystems, Torro-shop.deTorro-shop.de
