The T-90SK main battle tank (MBT) is designed to provide command and control over subordinate units, facilitate communications with superior commanders, and conduct operations as part of units and subunits. This command tank is a derivative of the T-90S tank and is distinguished by an R-168-100KBE HF radio set, TNA-4-3 tank navigation equipment set and PAB-2M aiming circle. Its basic specifications are on par with the baseline T-90S model. The command tank’s armament system, protection systems, power plant, transmission, running gear, vision devices, deep-water fording kit, self-entrenching equipment, and mine-clearing equipment mountings are similar to those of the T-90S MBT.
The 90S/SK is an export version of the Russian-made T-90 main battle tank, later adopted by the Russian Armed Forces as the T-90A. The T-90S entered service with the Russian Army in 1992. The 90S/SK is an enhanced version of T-90 to meet the operational requirements of countries in Asia. The T-90S is in service with the Indian Army under the name of Bhishma. In February 2001, the Indian Army signed a contract for 310 T-90S main battle tank tanks. In 2017, Russian tank manufacturer UralVagonZavod announced in its annual report that it had secured an order from Vietnam and Iraq for T-90S/SK main battle tanks.
The T-90SK tanks were made by Uralvagonzavod and were updated with V-92S2 V-12 diesel developing 1,000 hp (750 kW) engines made by Chelyabinsk Tractor Plant. The tank can run at a maximum road speed of 60 km/h with a maximum cursing range of 550 km. It can run at a maximum speed of 35 to 40 km/h in all-terrain condition. The T-90SK tank is protected by both conventional armour-plating and latest generation Kontakt-5 explosive reactive armour (ERA). The T-90SK is fitted with the Shtora-1 defensive aids suite which is produced by Electronintorg of Russia. This system includes infrared jammer, laser warning system with four laser warning receivers, grenade discharging system which produces an aerosol screen and a computerized control system.
The T-90SK armament includes one 125mm 2A46M smoothbore gun, stabilised in two axes and fitted with a thermal sleeve. The gun tube can be replaced without dismantling inside the turret. The gun can fire a variety of ammunition, including APDS (Armour Piercing Discarding Sabot), HEAT (high-explosive anti-tank), HE-FRAG (high-explosive fragmentation), as well as shrapnel projectiles with time fuses. The T-90SK gun can also fire the 9M119 Refleks (NATO designation AT-11 Sniper) anti-tank guided missile system. A coaxial machine 7.62 mm PKT is mounted to the right side of the main armament and a 12.7mm air defense machine gun is fitted to the top of turret.
