Telnik High-explosive Fragmentation Round Introduced in Russian T90M Tanks

Russian Ground Forces have introduced the Telnik high-explosive fragmentation round, equipped with remote detonation technology, designed for the T-90M tank.

This comes at a time when Ukraine is beginning to accept U.S.-made Abrams tanks equipped with depleted uranium shells.

The Telnik shells include submunitions that are detonated in the air at specified trajectory points and are highly effective against anti-tank guided systems such as the American-made Javelin which has been supplied to Ukraine in large numbers.

In the 1990s, the Ainet complex was introduced for T-90 and T-80UK tanks to perform similar tasks, but "Telnik" now significantly surpasses it in efficiency, and the T-90M recently destroyed an enemy target over 6800 meters away using guided missiles launched through its 125-mm gun barrels with tandem warheads designed to defeat tanks equipped with dynamic protection.

General of the Army Oleg Salyukov, the Commander-in-Chief of the Russian Ground Forces, discussed this development in an interview with the Ministry of Defense's official publication, Krasnaya Zvezda, emphasizing its deployment in the special military operation zone.

The Telnik tank round, featuring a remote detonation fragmentation projectile, is engineered for precise targeting of enemy infantry in trenches or dispersed across open terrain. It is up to 6-8 times more effective against infantry positions over conventional tank high-explosive fragmentation projectiles.

The Telnik round is adaptable to various armed formations such as lightly armored targets, small-sized surface targets besides unmanned aerial vehicles and helicopters.

Its remote detonation technology enables precise targeting directly above the enemy's location, such as over a trench. This creates a fragmentation field, showering the enemy with shrapnel while generating a powerful shock wave, effectively doubling the damage inflicted on the target.

Incorporating shells with remote detonation, like the Telnik, bolsters the overall firepower of modern main battle tanks. Additionally, it mitigates the risk of MBT losses by effectively countering anti-tank guided missile (ATGM) operators.

The Telnik tank round garnered international recognition when it was showcased at DefExpo India-2016 by Uralvagonzavod.