On Saturday, October 11, 2025, Frontelligence Insight, a Ukrainian open-source intelligence (OSINT) organization, revealed that under the commission of the Ministry of Defense of the Russian Federation, the UralVagonZavod Scientific and Production Corporation (NPK UVZ) in Nizhny Tagil plans to launch serial production next year of the latest version of the T-90 tank family, designated T-90M2 Ryvok-1.
T-90M Proryv-3 / Reference image: Ministry of Defense of the Russian Federation
As we read, in the spring and summer of this year Frontelligence Insight obtained information about orders for armored components for 2026–2036, which indicate that by 2029 the Russians intend to produce more than 1,000 T-90 family tanks, including the newest variant designated T-90M2 Ryvok-1. Production is to begin in 2026 (the first 10 units), with a production peak in 2027–2029, during which an 80% increase in T-90 family tank output is expected compared with 2024.
During that peak period, a total of 1,118 tanks are planned to be produced, modernized, or rebuilt into the T-90M Proryv-3 and T-90M2 Ryvok-1 variants. This is part of efforts to deliver a total of 1,783 tanks of both versions to the armed forces by 2036.
The T-90M is the result of an earlier, prewar Proryv-3 program and carries the manufacturer designation Object 188M. The T-90M2, in turn, is to be the result of combat experience in Ukraine gained under the Ryvok-1 program and carries the manufacturer designation Object 188M2.
How did Frontelligence Insight analysts estimate the scale of the production plans? This derives from a leak of correspondence between NPK UVZ and the Zagorsk Optical-Mechanical Plant (ZOMZ) in Moscow, which were contracted to produce over multiple years the engine rotational-speed sensor designated IS-445 for the powertrains of the tanks in question.
The T-90M2 Ryvok-1 is expected, compared with the T-90M Proryv-3, to feature a revised armor configuration, an improved fire-control system, and possibly an upgraded diesel engine. Currently this is the W-92S2 rated at 1,130 hp, but the Russians may use the improved W-92S2F with the same power, already employed in the T-90AM and T-90MS variants. The 125 mm 2A46M-5 smoothbore gun with the carousel autoloader AZ185M2 will be retained.
It is worth adding that Frontelligence Insight analysts also obtained data on production of TKHP-12-150 aiming-calibration devices for modernization of T-72B3M tanks, though these figures may not precisely estimate the number of vehicles undergoing the work. The documents indicate deliveries of 828 components through 2036, with a peak of 498 in 2027–2029. These can therefore be treated as an interesting detail, since it is unclear whether one device corresponds to one tank.
The Ukrainians also obtained data on BMPT Terminator combat support vehicles based on the T-72 chassis, showing plans to produce or convert only 86 units in 2027–2036. The documents, however, point to continued work on other armored programs, such as a heavy robotic combat support vehicle codenamed Shturm together with a command vehicle.
