IDEX 2025: Updated T-90MS makes its debut with offers of licenced-production

The T-90MS displayed at IDEX 2025 features several modifications aimed at increasing its survivability. (Janes/Christopher Petrov)

Russian armoured vehicle manufacturer Uralvagonzavod (UVZ) debuted an updated T-90MS main battle tank (MBT) at the International Defence Exhibition & Conference (IDEX) 2025 held in Abu Dhabi from 17 to 21 February.

UVZ said the T-90MS, an export variant of the T-90M MBT, has been updated in response to feedback from the T-90M's operational use in Ukraine. UVZ pitched licenced-production of the T-90MS as an incentive to prospective customers.

Survivability

It was clear from both first impressions and UVZ's press conference that increased survivability was the main marketing focus of the updated T-90MS. The upgrades were inspired by the domestic T-90M upgrade that was first publicly seen at the Russian Armiya 2023 exhibition outside Moscow. The T-90M model at Armiya 2023 featured extensive applications of additional armour and passive defence measures. UVZ said in an IDEX 2025 press conference address that the traditional concept whereby tank protection is greatest on its frontal arc, followed by its sides, and lastly with the rear having the least priority for protection is no longer valid on today's battlefield. As threats are increasingly able to accurately target a vehicle's more vulnerable side and rear sections, an increase in a vehicle's survivability hinges on addressing such vulnerabilities, the company said.