The modern "iron fist" of the Armored Forces

The T-90S is the most modern main battle tank, symbolizing the great progress of our Army in the modernization process. The 201st Tank Brigade (Armored Corps) is assigned the responsibility of training, ensuring the technical and operating the T-90S tank formation in parades and marches. This is both a pride and a challenge, requiring precision, science and a high sense of responsibility from each officer and soldier in the entire unit.

The T-90S is equipped with an advanced fire control system, a new generation thermal imaging sight, explosive reactive armor (ERA) and the Shtora active protection system. Flexible maneuverability combined with superior engine power helps the T-90S adapt effectively to many types of terrain, from flat roads to complex, rugged areas.

The highlight that makes the T-90S different from previous generations, such as the T-55, T-62 or T-72, is the modern fire control system, allowing the vehicle to fire accurately even in limited visibility conditions. With thermal imaging sights and electronic sensors, the T-90S maintains its superiority in night combat as well as in environments with dense smoke and dust.

T-90S tanks lead the formation at the parade rehearsal at National Military Training Center 4. Photo: DUC HIEU

Compared to the T-55 and T-62, the T-90S is also superior in terms of survivability on the battlefield. The ERA armor combined with the Shtora system helps the vehicle withstand anti-tank bullets and guided missiles better. At the same time, the improved chassis and engine not only improve mobility, but also ensure fuel efficiency in long-term campaigns. These advantages allow the T-90S to be both effective in breakthrough attacks and create a solid defense in a coordinated combat formation.

Lieutenant Colonel Nguyen Nhan Sau, Deputy Chief of Staff of Brigade 201, affirmed: “Brigade 201 is the first unit that the Army and the Ministry of National Defense trust to manage, exploit, and use the newest and most modern weapons, equipment, and armaments of the entire army's armored force, including the T-90S tank. The training, mastery, and technical assurance for the T-90S/SK tank generation have always been led and directed by the Party Committee and Brigade commanders, with a focus on scientific and technological research, promoting initiatives, and improving techniques for application... Carrying out the A80 mission, each officer and soldier is fully aware of their responsibility and makes constant efforts to ensure that each T-90S operates safely, accurately, and in accordance with ceremonial requirements and technical standards.”

Train well, master the equipment

Immediately after receiving the task of participating in the parade, Brigade 201 deployed a comprehensive plan, clearly assigning each stage, each person, each department. The tanks were carefully selected based on their technical condition and high level of synchronization. Accordingly, the technical team embarked on a series of comprehensive inspection stages: Engine and transmission systems; braking and steering systems; electronic sensors; and aesthetic criteria such as paint color, details of the national flag symbol, and unit number.

Major Tran Viet Cuong, Deputy Battalion Commander of Battalion 2, Brigade 201, said: “T-90S tanks are strictly and regularly preserved and sealed to ensure they are always in the highest state of combat readiness. The vehicle preservation process begins with periodic inspections of important systems such as engines, transmissions, electrical systems, sensors and mechanical parts. Vehicles are thoroughly cleaned, dirt is removed and lubricating oil is added to moving parts. In the preservation environment, tanks are sealed in separate warehouses, protected by sealed bags, to prevent the intrusion of external factors such as humidity, dirt or unwanted impacts.”

In addition to physical maintenance, the vehicle's electronic and weapon systems are also continuously inspected and periodically maintained to ensure stable operation and avoid damage. After each training session or mobile mission, the crew members will re-check all systems on the vehicle and update the maintenance records of each vehicle. This maintenance regime is carried out according to strict procedures, in accordance with technical standards and requirements of the Corps.

Crew members check the engine on a T-90S during training. Photo: THUY TRANG

Crew members also pay special attention to checking the electronic systems of the T-90S. Checking the sensors, aiming systems, and automatic systems is carried out continuously to avoid problems during use. When put into operation, the T-90S requires compliance with a strict maintenance and preservation regime. To ensure the vehicle is always in a state of combat readiness, crews will perform checks before each training or combat session. Checking important components such as the engine, steering system, weapons systems and electronic sensors is a prerequisite for stable vehicle operation.

Not only performing regular maintenance such as changing oil, cleaning filters, and greasing contacts, the technical team also applies many new technological innovations. Notably, the engine sealing machine specialized for tanks helps improve preservation productivity and ensure uniformity in technical processes. In parallel, the 1:1 life-size simulated cockpit helps crews practice operations and handle real-life situations - a clear step forward in modern tank training.

The crew training for the A80 mission took place at a high intensity, especially on maneuvering in vertical and horizontal formations, maintaining speed, command signals, and handling incidents in formation. In particular, the tank weighs more than 45 tons, has large blind spots, and high latency, so every operation requires absolute precision.

Preservation and maintenance of T-90S tanks at Brigade 201, Armored Corps. Photo: THUY TRANG

Talking to us, Senior Lieutenant Do Quoc Tuan, the driver participating in the parade, said: "As soon as we received the vehicle, we and the technical team made sure to check each system, test drive to feel the stability of the engine, gearbox, brakes, and steering. Then we painted the vehicle, cleaned each armored panel."

Sharing about the practice process, Mr. Tuan added: “Moving on the street, especially on asphalt, is the biggest challenge. Tanks are not easy to brake suddenly, the engine cannot be revved, the direction cannot be changed suddenly, and there are large blind spots. If the maneuver cannot avoid the vehicles of the people who accidentally enter the group, it is very dangerous. To ensure safety, the whole team must coordinate well to avoid incidents, handle the situation quickly and accurately, because just one person out of sync will affect the whole group.”

After each training session, the vehicles are brought back to the assembly point for a comprehensive technical check as well as fuel, oil, grease, and water replenishment. Every small detail, from oil level, coolant temperature to bolts and joints, is strictly controlled. The technical team is divided into many teams, working in shifts until the parade time.

Historic moment marking the T-90S milestone

The moments when the "steel fist" T-90S appeared bravely and powerfully at Ba Dinh Square on the morning of September 2 were not only a performance of the crew members but also the result of an entire team, thousands of hours of silent work and training.

From the early morning of September 2, the T-90S formation was started up and thoroughly checked for the last time. Captain Ngo Xuan Canh, the vehicle leader participating in the parade formation, shared: “At exactly 2:30, the vehicle crews started the engine, checked the idle engine, sensors, and electrical system; at 3:30, the entire formation was gathered in the right position, and agreed on speed and communication signals. At 4:00 a.m., the vehicles moved back to the waiting line, preparing for the important moment. We are aware that the parade formation is the face of both the nation and the unit, and there must be no mistakes.”

T-90S tanks lead the formation past the podium at the rehearsal of the ceremony to celebrate the 80th anniversary of the August Revolution and National Day of the Socialist Republic of Vietnam. Photo: THANH TU

T-90S tanks roll past the podium at the ceremony to celebrate the 80th anniversary of the August Revolution and National Day of the Socialist Republic of Vietnam. Photo: THANH TU

The T-90S formation entered Ba Dinh Square to the resounding sound of military music. The quiet roar of the engine harmonized with the rhythm of the chains, each roll was a measurement of technique and discipline. Every operation of the crew, from maintaining speed to controlling the direction, was carried out with high concentration and iron discipline. Captain Ngo Xuan Canh said: "Before the vehicle rolled, there were hours of meticulous inspection of every detail, so when marching past the stage, every movement was calculated in advance to the millimeter...".

After completing the parade and marching mission, the military artillery continued their night marching mission back to their units. The T-90S tanks were transported by specialized vehicles to Brigade 201. During the march, the T-90S were securely fixed on specialized vehicles and covered with camouflage tarpaulins according to security regulations. The mobile formation was strictly organized, with military control vehicles leading the way, accompanied by technical and medical teams, and coordinated by the Traffic Police at intersections to ensure absolute safety for civilians and equipment.

On the way, the group stopped at a temporary technical point to conduct a preliminary inspection of the systems and promptly handle any arising situations. All vehicles arrived at the unit in absolute safety; they were immediately unloaded at the technical area and comprehensively inspected after use. The work was completed, the vehicles were brought into the garage, sealed tightly, and returned to combat readiness.

The solemn appearance of the T-90S tanks on Ba Dinh Square and the process of maneuvering and ensuring absolute technical safety left an unforgettable mark on the occasion of the 80th anniversary of National Day. For the officers and soldiers of Brigade 201, the honor of participating in that important event is not only a proud memory, but also a motivation to continue training, maintaining discipline, mastering modern equipment, always maintaining a state of combat readiness, worthy of the trust of the Party, State and people.

THUY TRANG-VIET CUONG

    Source: https://www.qdnd.vn/phong-su-dieu-tra/ky-su/xe-tang-t-90s-tham-gia-nhiem-vu-a80-chuyen-bay-gio-moi-ke-846831