The Defence Blog portal published a detailed article describing the sharp increase in production of Russian T-90M tanks "Proryv" – the latest version of the popular T-90 series.
According to the data analysed by the CIT Group (Conflict Intelligence Team), in 2024 Uralwagonzawod (UVZ) plants in Nizhny Tagele could produce up to 280–300 fresh T-90M copies. This is simply a immense leap compared to earlier years where production oscillated at 60–70 units per year in 2022 and 140–180 in 2023. By 2024, this figure clearly exceeded 200, and by estimates it could have reached almost 300.
This advanced production dynamics is due to the deterioration of the state of Russian tank stocks. CIT indicates that many reserve units have already been utilized or destroyed. Russia's strategy so moves from upgrading older models (T-90A) to building vehicles from scratch. Uralwagonzawod is now working 3 shifts, expanding assembly lines and installing more welding and machining stations. According to CIT, the availability of hulls is not presently a regulation and all T-90M seem to appear in the fresh mill versions.
Moreover, UVZ messages highlighted that T-90M was equipped with modern defence systems specified as APS Arena-M, Calibinsky "Relict" and extended reflection systems "Kalina" and "Sosna-U" . These improvements were intended to increase the ability to counter modern threats, primarily anti-tank missiles.
Is that adequate to counter losses and sanctions?
Despite evidence production, the Russian army faces crucial losses on the Ukrainian front. According to open sources (Oryx), at least 134 T-90M and 80 more were destroyed from the beginning of the invasion to May 2025. The Defence Blog reports that between 540 and 630 units have been produced from the beginning of the T-90M series from the beginning of the invasion to now, with 130–150 vehicles being destroyed or confirmed; therefore, 410–500 tanks stay in service. This shows that losses are not full compensated by production. The fleet is conservative, but its condition remains a challenge.
Moreover, Western media information on T-90M production has frequently been heavy understated. Earlier reports, as published by The Economist, estimated yearly production of 28–30 pieces. However, CIT argues that these estimates were based on outdated methods and besides much assurance in authoritative communications. Even Western analyses with IISS estimated production in 2024 to be only about 90 vehicles, but according to CIT and another sources actual figures are importantly higher.
From the point of view of Russian logistics and defence economy, increased production of specified tanks is part of a strategy to increase resilience to sanctions. Russia reached for old warehouses and russian tanks, resuscitating them in need. This model of combining the production of fresh vehicles and refurbishment of old vehicles leaves a considerable amount of equipment in the field. As the Wall Street diary noted, thanks to specified actions and tactics of infantry groups in many cases The Russians are trying to spare the most advanced vehicles, utilizing them close forests or ditches, firing and retreating.
T-90M and future conflicts – NATO readiness?
From the point of view of defence policy, it is crucial where these vehicles will be operated. According to estimates from the Finnish intelligence services, most of the T-90M produced stay in Russia and are built as a reserve for the future, besides in view of possible actions towards NATO states. This hypothesis is besides supported by media data from both sides of the border, as well as satellite photos of the expansion of military infrastructure and railway strategy in Petrozavodsk, a region close to Finland. As the NATO commanders stressed, specified reinforcements besides hit the perception of the safety of neighbouring countries, including Poland or the Baltic countries.
This means that while Russian tank production is growing, the real operational balance remains complicated and European countries neighbouring Russia must look forward to future threats. Artillery and infrastructure producers are only part of this larger strategical picture. Russia focuses on capacity expansion, utilizing both modern tanks and old russian reserves, which changes the balance in the region
