| Leopard 2A6 | T-90M | |
|---|---|---|
| Country | Germany | Russia |
| Weight | 62.3 t | About 46–48 t |
| Main gun | 120 mm L/55 smoothbore | 125 mm 2A46M-4 smoothbore |
| Loading | Human loader | Carousel autoloader |
| Crew | 4 | 3 |
| Engine | 1,500 hp V12 diesel | About 1,130 hp V-92S2F diesel |
| Top speed | About 68–70 km/h | About 60 km/h |
| Height | About 3.0 m | About 2.2 m to turret roof |
| Explosive reactive armor | Not standard (added in Ukraine) | Relikt ERA, standard |
Two design philosophies
Soviet and Russian tank designers have long favored small, low, light tanks that are cheaper to build, easier to transport by rail and harder to hit. The T-90 descends from the T-72 and uses an autoloader, which removes the need for a human loader and lets the turret be smaller. Western designers, by contrast, accepted more size and weight to protect the crew and separate them from ammunition.
Firepower
The T-90M's 125 mm gun can also fire guided anti-tank missiles through the barrel, giving it long-range reach. The Leopard 2's 120 mm L/55, combined with excellent sights and fire control, is generally regarded as more accurate at long range, especially at night. Both are lethal against each other's frontal armor only with modern ammunition.
Survivability: the "turret toss" problem
In T-72-family tanks, including the T-90, ammunition for the autoloader is stored in a carousel under the turret, among the crew. When the armor is penetrated, the ammunition often detonates, killing the crew and throwing the turret off the hull, a sight that has become infamous in Ukraine. The Leopard 2 stores much of its ammunition in a turret bustle with blow-out panels, and crews of disabled Leopards have frequently escaped. The T-90M added a protected bustle for some rounds, but the carousel remains.
Protection
The T-90M relies heavily on explosive reactive armor (Relikt) over its composite base armor, giving strong frontal protection for its weight. The Leopard 2's thicker base armor and greater internal volume give more protection overall, at the price of 15–20 extra tonnes.
What Ukraine shows
In Ukraine, few battles have been classic tank-versus-tank duels. Most tank losses on both sides have come from mines, artillery, anti-tank missiles and, increasingly, cheap drones. Both armies now fit cages, screens and extra armor. What stands out is crew survival: Western tanks have generally been better at keeping their crews alive when hit. Read more in Leopard tanks in Ukraine.
Verdict
Tank for tank, a modern Leopard 2 has better sights, fire control and crew protection. The T-90M is lighter, cheaper and produced in larger numbers, and Russia's ability to build and refurbish tanks in volume matters a great deal in a long war.
Frequently asked questions
Is the Leopard 2 better than the T-90?
A modern Leopard 2 generally has better fire control, sights and crew protection. The T-90M is lighter and cheaper and Russia can build it in larger numbers.
Why do Russian tanks lose their turrets?
Their autoloader ammunition is stored in a carousel under the turret. If it detonates, the explosion can blow the turret off.
Have Leopard 2s fought T-90s in Ukraine?
Encounters have occurred, but most tank losses in Ukraine come from mines, artillery, missiles and drones rather than tank duels.