Russia's defense industry plans to produce, upgrade, or overhaul over 1,100 T-90M and T-90M2 tanks between 2027 and 2029, with a significant increase in tank output projected by 2028, reflecting a major ramp-up in their armored capabilities.

This expansion in tank production suggests Russia could threaten NATO much sooner than initially expected, potentially within a few years, even without fully reconstituting its tank numbers.

Analysts interpret these developments as part of Russia's strategic move to restore and surpass pre-war armored forces, including modernizing older tanks like the T-72, amidst ongoing conflicts.

The Russian military continues to deploy tanks in operational assaults under weather conditions that degrade Ukrainian drone defenses, indicating tanks remain relevant in combat scenarios.

Meanwhile, Russia has intensified missile and drone strikes targeting Ukrainian civilian infrastructure and military sites, with Ukrainian defenses successfully downing numerous drones and restoring essential services.

There has been an increase in unidentified drone sightings near European military facilities, including recent incidents in the Czech Republic and Germany, signaling Russia's heightened covert and overt activities in Europe.

Russia's long-range strike and drone capabilities, combined with efforts to generate strategic reserves, suggest it can sustain and rapidly deploy forces to threaten NATO's eastern flank soon after active combat in Ukraine concludes.

Ukraine's European partners continue to bolster Ukraine’s defenses through military aid and cooperation, including joint production of drones, artillery, and advanced battlefield technologies.

This military buildup aligns with Ukraine’s estimates of Russian tank losses exceeding 4,100 since the invasion, indicating a substantial logistical effort to rebuild and modernize.

The new Ryvok-1 tank features improvements in fire control, protection, and mobility, representing Russia’s ongoing efforts to scale up armored capabilities amid current conflicts.

These developments are viewed as Russia’s strategic preparation for potential conflict with NATO, aiming to restore and surpass pre-war armored forces, including modernizing older tanks like the T-72.

While plans beyond 2030 are not specified, Russia appears to be focusing on ongoing assessments, repairs, and modernization efforts after 2029, with production possibly exceeding 100 tanks annually.

Following the 2027-2029 surge, the Uralvagonzavod plant is expected to shift focus from new tank production to repairing and modernizing existing tanks, reflecting a strategic operational change.