I think the T-90 MK-III would be a very solid entry but I hope more information is released on its armor. I think it’s the new indigenous Explosive Reactive Armor MK-II instead of Kontact-5. The two look pretty similar. The new ERA is designed for both KE and CE munitions much like Kontact-5 and it is rated against 84mm and 125mm HEAT rounds, Milan warheads, and AMK-339 ammunition (125mm FSAPDS MK-I/II rounds). India can produce its own K-5, it’s likely they developed it based off the K-5 to have better performance. The armor can be seen adjusted with an elevated armor section in front of the Driver’s station. In the third source (which is a government source) below, it clearly states the ERA MK-II is cleared for substitution of the K-5 on the T-90S. Also the vehicle will use the new 125mm FSAPDS MK-II round, an indigenous GL-ATGM, and new 3rd-generation thermal imagers. These indigenous features differentiate it significantly from the standard T-90S Bhishma/T-90A and give it all the more reason to add it. The vehicle may get the DATRAN 1,200hp or 1,500hp Turbocharged Diesel Engine in the future. There is talk of a MK-IV upgrade project being started.
Estimated BR: 11.0-11.3
Some known T-90 MK-III differences:
FSAPDS MK-II
Replacing the 3BM42 APFSDS-T and FSAPDS MK-I.
SAMHO GL-ATGM
Conversion in-development from 120mm to 125mm to eventually replace the Russian 9M119M1 Refleks GL-ATGM.
3rd-generation thermal imagers for Gunner/Commander
Including FCS upgrades with new sensors, Automatic Target Tracking, and new Digital Ballistics Computer.
New ERA Configuration
Additional ERA placement in-front of the Driver’s station; likely the indigenous ERA MK-II instead of Kontact-5.
Writeup for the T-90 MK-III
What We Know for Certain
Next-Generation Sighting Systems: The T-90 Mark III features new, advanced sighting systems that provide enhanced target acquisition and tracking capabilities, improving the tank’s overall accuracy and lethality on the battlefield. The Commander Sight of Battle Tank T-90, is currently fitted with Image Converter (IC) tube-based sight for night viewing. “Based on the requirement projected by the Indian Army, DRDO and BEL have jointly designed and developed an advanced Mid Wave Thermal Image (MWIR) based sight as a replacement for the existing IC-based sight. The new Commander Sight, employs a thermal imager capable of detecting the targets at 8km during day and night and a Laser Ranger Finder to find the ranges accurately up to 5km, thereby enhancing its capability to engage target at longer ranges. The complete sighting system complex with the corrections from ballistic software and LRF, will enable the commander of T-90 to detect, engage and neutralise the targets with phenomenal accuracy.
Digital Ballistic Computer (DBC): A crucial addition to the T-90 Mark III is the Digital Ballistic Computer, which optimizes ammunition trajectory calculations. This technology considers various atmospheric conditions, ensuring precise hits even in challenging environments. The Digital Ballistic Computer (DBC) integrated into the T-90 Mark III represents a pivotal advancement in modern armored warfare technology. This sophisticated system revolutionizes ammunition trajectory calculations by taking into account various environmental factors such as wind speed, humidity, and temperature. By precisely calculating the trajectory of ammunition, the DBC ensures accurate and lethal hits on targets, even in dynamic and challenging battlefield conditions. This capability not only enhances the tank’s combat effectiveness but also reduces the margin of error, increasing the overall operational efficiency of the T-90 Mark III.
Automatic Target Tracker (ATT): The inclusion of the Automatic Target Tracker significantly enhances the tank’s ability to detect and engage enemy targets swiftly and accurately. This feature streamlines the engagement process, reducing manual workload and increasing combat efficiency. Using advanced sensor technologies and algorithms, the ATT automatically identifies and tracks potential threats, including enemy vehicles and personnel. This real-time tracking functionality enables the tank crew to engage targets swiftly and accurately, significantly reducing the time between target detection and engagement. By streamlining the targeting process and minimizing manual intervention, the ATT enhances the tank’s lethality and situational awareness on the battlefield, ensuring a decisive advantage in combat scenarios.
While the confirmed upgrades are impressive, there are expectations for additional enhancements in the T-90 Mark III:
New APFSDS Round: Derived from the Arjun FSAPDS Mk2, the T-90 Mark III is expected to incorporate a new Armor-Piercing Fin-Stabilized Discarding Sabot (APFSDS) round. This ammunition promises enhanced penetration capabilities, further bolstering the tank’s anti-armor capabilities.
Next-Generation Canon Launched Anti Tank Guided Missile: A cutting-edge addition to the T-90 Mark III is the integration of a Next-Generation Canon Launched Anti Tank Guided Missile system. Although T90 can fire Invar ATGM but the missiles is maxed out on the capabilities. DRDO’s CLATGM is a more capable and newer missile available for the upgrade. This advanced missile technology enhances the tank’s long-range engagement capabilities against armored threats.
Indian Content and Safety Features
In line with India’s Atmanirbhar Bharat initiative, the T-90 Mark III emphasizes indigenous content and technological capabilities. One significant aspect is the engine upgrade, where the tank will be equipped with a more powerful and fuel-efficient engine. This upgrade not only enhances mobility and performance but also showcases India’s self-reliance in defense manufacturing. However, this not yet clear.
Advancements in Combat Capability
The introduction of the T-90 Mark III signifies a substantial improvement in India’s armored warfare capabilities. This upgrade not only improves accuracy and lethality but also streamlines operational processes, empowering the Indian Army to effectively engage and neutralize enemy threats on the battlefield.
Future Considerations
Looking ahead, India will need to address several key aspects to further enhance the T-90 Mark III’s capabilities:
Active Protection System (APS): Integrating an Active Protection System into the T-90 Mark III could provide enhanced survivability against incoming threats, further enhancing the tank’s defensive capabilities.
Loitering Munitions : The Indian army is already working on getting an integrated loitering Munitions with light tank Zorawar and same can be inherited by T90 MKIII or even further upgrade as MK IV.
More capable Rounds : The current FSAPDS with DoP of 600 MM is enough for current chinese tanks but Indian needs to look at the future.
Continued Indigenous Development: Emphasizing indigenous development and technological advancements will be crucial for sustaining India’s defense capabilities and reducing dependency on foreign suppliers.
Both HAL helicopters are equipped with the HELINA and SANT anti-tank missiles, FZ275 laser-guided rockets, guided and unguided bombs, Mistral 3 anti-air missiles, etc. The HELINA has fire-and-forget capability, 7km range, and 800mm of penetration behind ERA due to the tandem-HEAT warhead. The improved SANT-variant has ranges out to 20km and a MMW-seeker.
I’d also like to see a development test server like what was done for BVR missiles but for MMW seeker-equipped missiles and advanced Optical/Thermal/IR Missiles. There are several of these missiles that can be added to the game that are either going through testing, or are in service. These missiles are (but not limited to):
Unprotected driver section and 6 rounds carried only in the carousel (coz it was primarily a variable parameter test rig) … limits its implementation if being realistic
