Russia sends exhibition T-90MS tank to frontline
A T-90MS main battle tank that once stood on display at the International Defence Exhibition (IDEX) in the United Arab Emirates has now been deployed to the battlefield in Ukraine, according to a statement from the manufacturer.
The tank, originally painted in desert camouflage for its appearance at IDEX 2025, was returned to Russia, repainted in standard military green, and sent into combat, UralVagonZavod confirmed.
“The vehicle we presented abroad for the first time was modified based on extensive experience from the special military operation,” the company said in a statement. “It was delivered to our troops in nearly the same configuration as it was shown at the exhibition in the UAE. The only change was the color: from ‘exhibition’ desert camouflage to standard army green.”
The move underscores Russia’s continued push to equip its forces with upgraded platforms even as international arms shows remain a key part of its defense industry strategy.
The T-90MS, developed by UralVagonZavod, is a modernized export version of the T-90 series, featuring enhanced protection, optics, and firepower compared to earlier models.
The deployment of the exhibition tank, reportedly adapted with combat-relevant upgrades, reflects the urgent demand for modern armored vehicles amid ongoing battlefield losses.
UralVagonZavod’s statement did not specify the unit or location to which the tank was sent, but said it was delivered to the military “in a near-identical configuration” to what was shown in Abu Dhabi.
The decision to showcase and then deploy the same vehicle is unusual in modern defense circles, where demonstration units are typically reserved for foreign buyers.
