According to information shared on Russian social media on September 10, 2023, the Russian Armed Forces unveiled the T-80BVM Model 2023, an upgraded version of the T-80BVM main battle tank, in a TV report that took place at the Omsktransmash enterprise's secure training grounds. This upgrade has been influenced by combat experience gained during the war waged in Ukraine.
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Russia unveils upgraded and battle-ready T-80BVM Model 2023 tank (Picture source: Russian social media)
Reports from Russian social media sources suggest that Omsktransmash is poised to produce 152 T-80BVM Model 2023 tanks, with 15 of them having already been loaded onto transport platforms, indicating their imminent deployment to active combat zones.
The T-80BVM Model 2023 features reinforced wire cage armor on the top and rear parts of the turret and hull to enhance protection against rocket-propelled grenades (RPGs) and kamikaze drones. The top turret wirecage has been transformed into a quick-detachable protection module, in order to facilitate transportation, and "cape" covers have been included in the inventory to reduce the tank's visibility. The sides and top turret wire cage have also received additional dynamic protection within metal casings.
The tank also incorporates a Volnorez anti-drone electronic jamming system, complete with two omnidirectional antennas. These antennas are magnetically based, allowing for installation without structural modifications and enabling effective drone suppression within a radius of 600-1000 meters. The control panel of this system is installed inside and powered from the on-board network of the tank.
The T-80BVM Model 2023 is now equipped with a 1PN96MT thermal imaging sight, offering superior target acquisition capabilities compared to the previous Sosny-U sight.
An intriguing improvement lies in the tank's reverse speed, which has been enhanced to over 20 km/h, a significant leap from the previously documented 11 km/h. The specifics behind this speed increase remain undisclosed but likely involve undisclosed transmission modifications.
The T-80BVM Model 2023 mainly features additional protection systems (Picture source: Russian social media)
The T-80BVM represents a modernized iteration of the original T-80BV main battle tank, which was initially manufactured by the Soviet Union. These enhancements have been developed and introduced by the Russian military industry with the primary goal of enhancing the tank's combat effectiveness in contemporary 21st-century warfare.
A standout feature of the T-80BVM is its upgraded armor, encompassing both reactive and passive protection measures to enhance its resilience against anti-tank weaponry. Notably, the tank is equipped with Relikt explosive reactive armor, significantly improving its defense against modern anti-tank guided missiles and rocket-propelled grenades.
The tank is powered by a gas turbine engine, affording it a remarkable power-to-weight ratio, solidifying its status as one of the world's swiftest main battle tanks. Additionally, the T-80BVM boasts a sophisticated fire control system that elevates its targeting precision, enabling effective engagement of targets during both day and night operations.
Furthermore, the T-80BVM is armed with an enhanced 125mm 2A46M-4 smoothbore gun, capable of firing a range of projectiles, including APFSDS, HEAT, HE-FRAG, and guided missiles.
In terms of mobility, the T-80BVM has undergone substantial improvements, including reinforced running gear and an upgraded torsion bar, enhancing its off-road performance. The integration of an automatic track tension system reduces the need for manual adjustments, streamlining the overall operational readiness of the tank.
