An upgraded T-90MS showcased in the UAE has been repainted and deployed to reinforce troops fighting Ukraine
Russia’s latest version of the T-90MS tank, unveiled earlier this year at a defense expo in the United Arab Emirates, has been sent to the front line after being repainted at the factory, according to its producer, Uralvagonzavod.
The vehicle, upgraded using experience from the Ukraine conflict, was showcased at the IDEX international defense exhibition in Abu Dhabi in February 2025, and later transported back to Russia before being dispatched to the battle zone, the company said on Saturday. The tank “is already taking part in combat at the front line,” the statement read.
The company added that the tank was delivered to a combat unit in almost the same configuration as at the UAE exhibition, with the only change being its color.
Russian media showed the T-90MS being field-tested in a winter landscape, and later painted in sand-colored camouflage. The tank is then seen being transported to the UAE and showcased to local officials. Then the clip shows the armor being repainted to green before being transported by train from the Urals, along with at least a dozen other T-90s.
The upgraded T-90MS is fitted with additional dynamic protection modules and grill-type armor designed to counter kamikaze drones, which have become a hallmark of the Ukraine conflict. It also features a modernized fire control system with thermal and television sights, while retaining a 125mm gun with guided missile capability.
An unnamed crewman cited by RIA said the tank had been designed with easy maintenance in mind. “If the necessary equipment is available, any repair can be carried out. But even without equipment, solutions are found,” he explained, citing one case from India in which two palm trees were used to successfully replace the engine.
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