M1A2 SEPv3 Abrams vs T-90M Proryv
Western heavyweight vs Russian modernized workhorse
M1A2 SEPv3 Abrams
United States 路 In service 2020
The M1A2 SEPv3 is the latest upgrade of the iconic Abrams main battle tank. It features improved power generation, advanced networking, a data-link-capable ammunition data link for programmable airburst rounds, and enhanced survivability against IEDs and anti-tank missiles.
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T-90M Proryv
Russia 路 In service 2020
The T-90M is Russia's most modern production tank, featuring a new turret with improved Relikt ERA, the Kalina fire control system, a more powerful engine, and a remotely operated machine gun. It represents the practical backbone of Russian armor forces.
The Matchup
The Abrams and T-90M represent fundamentally different tank philosophies: the American approach of a heavy, protected crew of four versus the Russian concept of a compact, lighter, autoloaded three-crew tank. How do they compare in 2025?
Performance Radar
Rating Breakdown
Specifications
| Specification | M1A2 SEPv3 Abrams | T-90M Proryv |
|---|---|---|
| Weight | 73.6 tons (66.8 tonnes) | 50.7 tons (46 tonnes) |
| Main Gun | 120mm M256A1 smoothbore | 125mm 2A46M-5 smoothbore (ATGM capable) |
| Engine | Honeywell AGT1500 gas turbine, 1,500 hp | V-92S2F diesel, 1,130 hp |
| Max Speed | 42 mph (67 km/h) | 37 mph (60 km/h) |
| Range | 265 mi (426 km) | 340 mi (550 km) |
| Crew | 4 | 3 |
| Armor | Composite + DU mesh + ERA (classified) | Composite + Relikt ERA + Shtora APS |
| Unit Cost | $10.5M (FY2023) | $4.5M (estimated) |
Strengths & Weaknesses
M1A2 SEPv3 Abrams
Strengths
- + Among the heaviest composite armor protection in service
- + Depleted uranium mesh armor inserts for maximum protection
- + Proven in multiple combat deployments since 1991
- + Advanced fire control with hunter-killer capability
Weaknesses
- - Gas turbine engine consumes enormous fuel
- - Very heavy, limits strategic mobility and bridging
- - High logistical footprint for sustained operations
- - Aging hull design with limited growth margin
T-90M Proryv
Strengths
- + Compact design with low silhouette reduces target profile
- + Can fire ATGMs through the main gun (9M119M Refleks)
- + Relikt ERA provides strong protection against tandem warheads
- + Significantly cheaper than Western equivalents
Weaknesses
- - Autoloader limits ammunition types and rate improvements
- - Three-crew configuration means higher crew workload
- - Carousel autoloader is vulnerable to catastrophic kill
- - Less power-to-weight ratio than Western MBTs
Verdict
The M1A2 SEPv3 holds clear advantages in protection, fire control, and crew survivability. The T-90M counters with lower cost, smaller profile, and ATGM capability, but real-world performance in Ukraine has exposed significant vulnerabilities.