T-80BVM
Russia2018 - Present
The T-80BVM is Russia's modernized gas turbine-powered main battle tank, upgrading the 1985-era T-80BV to near-T-90M standards. Weighing approximately 46-48 tons, it features a 125mm 2A46M-4 smoothbore gun with autoloader (capable of Svinets-1/Svinets-2 depleted uranium/tungsten APFSDS), GTD-1250TF gas turbine engine (1,250hp, upgradeable to 1,400hp boost), and Relikt third-generation ERA. Length 9.65m (gun forward), width 3.6m, height 2.2m. Crew of 3. Features Sosna-U gunner's sight with thermal imaging, 9M119M Refleks-M ATGM capability (5km range), 360° camera system, and Kord 12.7mm RWS. Maximum speed 70 km/h, range 500km. First publicly revealed at Zapad 2017 exercise.
Primary Specifications
Main gun
125mm smoothbore
Upgraded legacy smoothbore cannon
Engine
1250 HP
GTD-1250 gas turbine engine
Weight
46 tonnes
Light Soviet-era design
Speed
70 km/h
Gas turbine provides quick acceleration
Range
440 km
Turbine is fuel-hungry
Crew
3
Autoloader reduces crew needs
Quick Summary
What's different?
Gas turbine engine allows cold start in 1 minute vs 45+ minutes for diesel tanks in -30°C conditions. GTD-1250TF offers 10% fuel economy improvement and boost capability to 1,400hp. Relikt ERA effective against tandem HEAT warheads and reduces APFSDS penetration by 50%.
Why it matters?
Extends service life of Russia's T-80 fleet (originally 4,000+ in storage) with modern ERA, sights, and gun system matching T-90M standards. Essential for Arctic operations where diesel tanks struggle.
Real-World Impact
1
Arctic/Cold Weather Operations
Gas turbine engine provides instant cold-start capability in extreme temperatures. T-80BVM specifically valued for Arctic, Far East, and Siberian deployments where diesel tanks face starting difficulties.
2
Ukraine Conflict Deployment
Extensively used in Ukraine since 2022. At least 144 T-80BVM confirmed losses by July 2025 (Oryx), but demonstrates improved survivability compared to non-upgraded T-80BV variants.
3
Anti-Drone Adaptations
T-80BVM Model 2023 features Volnorez anti-drone electronic jamming system (600-1000m suppression radius), wire cage armor on turret roof and rear, and quick-detachable top protection modules.
4
Upgraded Fire Control
Sosna-U sight with French-derived thermal imager enables day/night target engagement. System shared with T-90M, providing commonality across Russia's modern tank fleet.
Additional Features
Armor
Multilayer Composite
Other key features
Listed/maintained as an OPFOR MBT in U.S. Army ODIN/WEG
FAQs
1. How does the gas turbine compare to diesel?
GTD-1250TF produces 1,250hp (burst to 1,400hp), giving 27-30 hp/ton power-to-weight ratio. Advantage is instant cold-start in -30°C (1 minute vs 45+ for diesel). Disadvantage is higher fuel consumption, though improved 10% over earlier variants.2. What ERA does it use?
3. What APFSDS rounds can it fire?
4. How many have been lost in Ukraine?
5. Is production ongoing?
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