Experts from the Center for Analysis of World Arms Trade stated that the T-90M tank is the most advanced among modern counterparts due to its combination of technical capabilities, protection level, and platform versatility. This assessment was published in the journal National Defense.

According to them, the T-90M represents 21st-century equipment, featuring all-around protection, a powerful engine, and a high-performance transmission. Its combat module is highly automated and equipped with a multispectral gunner’s sight and a panoramic commander’s sight, allowing not only battlefield awareness but also full control of the tank’s weapon systems.

The experts also noted that the T-90 chassis is widely used as a base for various types of military equipment. A number of specialized vehicles have been developed on this platform, including the universal armored engineering vehicle (UBIM), IMR-3M, BMR-3M, BREM-1M, the tank support combat vehicle (BMPT), and the TOS-1A «Solntsepek» heavy flamethrower system.

They further stated that modern versions of the T-90 are 15–20 tons lighter than Western counterparts, while featuring stronger armor protection and a larger-caliber gun.

Taking into account additional protection of the upper hemisphere, as well as other active and passive countermeasures developed based on combat experience, the T-90M is described as an extremely difficult target to destroy on the battlefield.