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    The Ongoing Evolution of Tank Warfare: Analyzing the M1 Abrams and T-90M Proryv

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    The ongoing evolution of modern warfare brings the persistent debate over tank superiority to the forefront, captivating both defense specialists and aficionados.

    With the recent developments on the battlefield, particularly in Ukraine, the comparison between the iconic M1 Abrams and the Russian T-90M Proryv tanks has never been more poignant.

    These armored titans have been subjected to the harsh realities of war, offering us invaluable insights into their capabilities and limitations.

    A M1A1 (Abrams Main Battle Tank) enters the Twin Bridges training area prepared for a mock battle in the Republic of Korea Nov. 2, 1998. The M1A1 comes from the Task Force 1st Battalion 23rd Infantry Division out of Fort Lewis, Wash. TF 123 is conducting an assault on two Infantry companies from a Republic of Korea armored brigade in participation of Foal Eagle ’98. A combined exercise involving the Republic of Korea Army and the United States Armed Forces. (U.S. Army photo by SPC Christina Ann Horne) (Released)

    The M1 Abrams, a staple of American armored might, has consistently set the standard for what a main battle tank should embody. Fitted with advanced sensors, a refined fire-control system, and potent armor-piercing rounds, the M1 has showcased its superiority time and again.

    In the latest iterations, such as the M1A2, its technological edge is evident in the range and accuracy of its 120mm main armament, complemented by .50-caliber and 7.62mm machine guns. The M1 Abrams models boast a robust gas turbine engine that, while noted for its thirst for fuel, delivers remarkable power.

    On January 25, 2023, President Biden announced the U.S. decision to deliver 31 M1 Abrams tanks to Ukraine, signaling a commitment to supporting Ukrainian forces against Russia’s evolving tactics and strategy on the battlefield. The Abrams tanks, although not the latest models, will certainly provide Kyiv’s forces with a significant tactical advantage thanks to their superior sensors, offering an edge in range and accuracy of fire.

    Contrasting the American juggernaut is the T-90M Proryv, Russia’s answer to modern tank warfare. The Proryv, hailed as the most advanced of the T-90 variants, is both an evolutionary step from the T-72 and a formidable adversary in its own right.

    Boasting a 125mm 2A46M-4 smoothbore gun capable of launching missiles up to a distance of 3 miles, and enhanced with a multichannel sight for night operations, the T-90M appeared promising on paper. Further, with its lighter weight, the T-90M is more maneuverable in challenging terrains, a significant advantage in specific combat scenarios.

    According to expert Michael Peck, “The T-90 does have the advantage of being much lighter, which is an advantage in mud or crossing smaller bridges,” a crucial factor considering the Abrams’ heftier profile.

    On January 12, 2023, a batch of these upgraded T-90M Proryv tanks was reported to have been delivered to Russian troops, with subsequent use on the front lines against Ukrainian fighters.

    Despite its advancements, including a more powerful engine and an anti-slip coating similar to the T-14 Armata, the T-90M’s performance in combat has not been without its setbacks.

    Reports confirmed the loss of 15 T-90M tanks, a figure that suggests that while they may appear impressive, they may not fully withstand the rigors of combat as effectively as their counterparts.

    Soldiers from Alfa Company, 1/77 Armor, 1st Infantry Division out of Schweinfurt, GE, execute a Improvised Explosive Device (IED) sweep subsequent of a check point maneuver, in the city of Mukayishiaf, Iraq, May 30, 2004. US military element and Iraqi law enforcement operatives take part in Operation Orange Crush, an effort to prevent Iraqi taxi drivers from performing illicit activities.
    (U.S. Army photo by Staff Sgt. Klaus Baesu) (Released)

    The battlefield has not been kind to either side’s armored assets. Yet, as experts like Peck suggest, the M1 Abrams stands superior in direct comparison to the T-90M. However, tank warfare is more than just a matter of technical specifications.

    It is also defined by support vehicles, trained personnel, and the strategic deployment of these steel beasts. The Abrams’ advanced armor-piercing fin-stabilized discarding sabot (APFSDS) rounds are deemed deadlier, while the T-90 can fire anti-tank missiles from its cannon, demonstrating the varied approaches to armored warfare.

    While the Abrams remains a formidable force, the true test of a tank’s prowess is not solely in its specifications but in the hands of the soldiers who operate it and the strategists who deploy it.When “used properly, the M1A2 should be more than a match for the T-90M,” Peck said.

    Relevant articles:
    How Russia’s Advanced T-90M Proryv Compares to the U.S. M1 Abrams Tank
    Can Russian T-90 Tank Overpower US-Made Abrams? Expert Answers
    The Battle of T-90 vs M1 Abrams: Who Comes Out on Top?

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