T-90 Tank Creator Nikolai Molodnyakov Dies at 88

Nikolai Molodnyakov, one of the creators of the T-90 tank, died on January 27. He worked at Uralvagonzavod for 66 years, rising from research engineer to deputy chief designer.

Feb 23, 2026

Nikolai Molodnyakov spent his entire 66-year career at the Uralvagonzavod tank manufacturing enterprise.
Source:
press service of «Uralvagonzavod»

Designer Nikolai Molodnyakov, who contributed to the creation of the T-90 tank, died on January 27 at the age of 88. The press service of Uralvagonzavod confirmed this information, noting that he worked at the enterprise for 66 years, rising from research engineer to deputy chief designer.

Molodnyakov led the training of a new generation of tank design specialists at UKBTM.
Source:
press service of «Uralvagonzavod»

The company«s obituary stated: «His work is inextricably linked with the creation, adoption for service, and modernization of the legendary T-72 and T-90 tank families, which form the backbone of the country»s armored forces. The bright memory of Nikolai Alexandrovich Molodnyakov will forever remain in the hearts of colleagues, family, and loved ones, and in the history of domestic tank building.»

Nikolai Alexandrovich was born on August 19, 1937, in the village of Semyonovsky in Gorky (now Nizhny Novgorod) Oblast. He received his higher education at the Chelyabinsk Polytechnic Institute.

Under his leadership at the Design Bureau of Transport Engineering (UKBTM), a whole new generation of specialists grew up. Molodnyakov was also actively engaged in scientific and pedagogical activities, published more than 120 works, and for a long time headed examination commissions at specialized educational institutions.