Amewi T-90

The first prototype was created in 1989 at Uralvagonzavod in Nizhny Tagil and was designated Object 188. This was a modified T-72B equipped with the fire control system of the T-80U and new reactive armor (ERA) of the Kontakt-5 type. Later, improved turret armor and the self-defense system TShU-1 Shtora-1 were added. This tank was designated T-72BU, but due to the limited success of the Iraqi T-72 in the Second Gulf War, it was rebranded as T-90 for marketing reasons. Series production began in 1992. The T-90 was publicly unveiled for the first time in 1993 at the military exhibition in Kubinka. The hull is made of welded armor steel elements, while the turret, developed from the old T-72BU turret, is made of cast steel. The tank features the typically low silhouette of Russian tanks, which significantly reduces its target area. Due to the increased weight, the performance of the W-46 diesel engine of the T-72 was no longer sufficient to meet the requirements.