The T-90 is a Russian third-generation main battle tank that is a modernisation of the T-72 (it was originally to be called the T-72BU, later renamed to T-90). It is currently the most modern tank in service with the Russian Ground Forces and Naval Infantry. Although a development of the T-72, the T-90 uses a 125mm 2A46 smoothbore tank gun, 1G46 gunner sights, a new engine, and thermal sights. Standard protective measures include a blend of Steel, Composite armour, and Kontakt-5 explosive-reactive armor, laser warning receivers, Nakidka camouflage and the Shtora infrared ATGM jamming system. The EMT-7 electromagnetic pulse (EMP) creator is used in testing but not fitted to T-90s in active service
Russia is developing the T-90AM Armada to be ready for use by 2015. This upgraded version features a new automatic loader, separate crew and ammo compartments, improved sight system, a new more powerful engine developing 970-hp, a re-designed cannon and a new protected machine gun unit. The T-90AM has improved armor protection, communications and firepower. This more capable tank will be unveiled at the arms exhibition in Nizhny Tagil in 2011. The Russian Army plans call for the T-90AM Armada to enter service by 2015 and could stay in mass production by 2020 or 2025 when a new generation MBT armed with a 152mm cannon would take its place. Its development seems to be a direct consequence of the Russian government intention to reduce the number of MBTs in their armed forces far below the level of 10,000 in 2011 to roughly several thousands (2,000-5,000?).
The new tank is to have new electronic equipment and the crew will be protected by internal turret. The Armada will be different from the present T-90 in use by the Russian army, says Victor Litovkin, of the “Independent Military Review” paper. He gave an interview to VOR:
"There is a need to fit the tank with a new engine to make it more powerful and faster and easier to operate. It should be able to carry more arms and will also be protected against all kinds of explosives and ammunition. Second, it should be armed with more powerful guns and of course, it should have the necessary electronic gadgets and onboard information control complex."The new “Armada” is designed to separate the crew from the arms by a special capsule, since protecting the crew is a high priority. The planned changes will enable the “Armada” to compete favourably with the leading foreign analogues, Litovkin said
