Iraq receives first batch of Russian T-90 main battle tanks

Iraq has just received the first batch of T-90 main battle tanks (MBT) built by Uralvagonzavod, following an agreement between Moscow and Baghdad signed in mid-2017 for the delivery of 73 T-90s.

The T-90 features a smoothbore 2A46M 125mm main gun, which can fire both armour-piercing shells and anti-tank missiles, as well as a sophisticated armour, which ensures all-round protection of the crew and critical systems. This includes explosive reactive armour and active infrared jammers, to defend the tank from inbound rocket-propelled grenades, anti-tank missiles and other projectiles.

The new hardware will be used to support Iraqi military forces’ continued efforts to fight against self-proclaimed Islamic State. It will come to supplement Iraq’s fleet of M1A1 Abrams MBTs, which have been lost to destruction or have been captured by insurgents.

Local sources indicate that the rest of the tanks will be delivered gradually while the first batch should be coming into service shortly.