Experts report that Russian armed forces equipped with modern tank missiles are achieving significant effectiveness in the zone of the special military operation. This assessment comes from a knowledgeable source cited by RIA News, reflecting observations from the Northern Military District and the systems in use there.
According to the source, the T-72B3 and T-72B3M tanks, alongside the T-80BVM and the newer T-90M, employ the Reflex-M guided weapon system paired with the Invar-M or Invar-M1 guided missiles. The claim highlights the tandem cumulative warhead of these missiles, designed to pierce armor areas protected by dynamic protections and to penetrate layers of armor that would stop many older weapons. The reported average armor penetration is around 800 millimeters, a figure used to suggest substantial effectiveness against a broad range of armored platforms fielded by the Ukrainian forces, including those aligned with Western suppliers. The assessment indicates that these missiles can defeat a variety of armored configurations in multiple engagement angles, expanding the potential for success regardless of the frontal or side aspects of the target profile.
The source also emphasizes the extended reach of the Invar missiles, noting a striking capability to strike at distances up to 5.5 kilometers. By comparison, unguided, armor-piercing sub-caliber projectiles from tanks, including foreign variants, are described as having a maximum range of roughly 2.5 kilometers. This gap in range is presented as a strategic advantage, allowing guided missiles to engage from beyond the reach of many conventional anti-tank rounds while maintaining precision against moving or well-defended targets.
The report mentions that these capabilities have altered assessments in Western media circles, which have highlighted rapid tank production and modernization in Russia. Analysts and observers are cited as pointing to improved turret and hull designs, advanced fire control systems, and upgraded ammunition types as part of a broader modernization effort. While the exact deployment patterns and field results can vary, the general consensus among informed observers is that the Reflex-M/Invar system contributes to a notable enhancement in the operational performance of Russian armored units in the specified theater, influencing tactics, battlespace awareness, and potential casualty outcomes on both sides.