The Economist explains

Why the capture of a Russian T-90M tank matters

The top-of-the-range model is loaded with the latest tech. Western armies can learn from it

(220509) -- MOSCOW, May 9, 2022 (Xinhua) -- T-90M tanks are seen during the Victory Day military parade to mark the 77th anniversary of the victory in the Great Patriotic War on Red Square in Moscow, Russia, May 9, 2022. (Xinhua/Bai Xueqi)Xinhua News Agency / eyevineContact eyevine for more information about using this image:T: +44 (0) 20 8709 8709E: info@eyevine.comhttp://www.eyevine.com

UKRAINE’S RAPID offensive in Kharkiv, in the country’s north-east, brought many prizes. Swathes of territory have been won back and Ukraine’s army captured around a brigade’s worth of military equipment from the fleeing Russians. One of the greatest surprises uncovered was a single T-90M tank. It is one of at least 380 Russian tanks seized since the war began, yet it is uniquely useful. What is the T-90M tank, and why does it matter?

This article appeared in the The Economist explains section of the print edition under the headline “Why the capture of a Russian T-90M tank matters”

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