RKumar 'Burlak' program is a classified one but it is known to exist and there are reports that by late this year they will display prototypes of the same.
So information naturally is far few and scanty , the T-90M certainly exists in prototype form and even pics of the same was shown during Putin Dec 2009 visit.
There is conflicting information about the Burlak upgrade. One source says that the same was cancelled along with T-95 in the recent cut announced by Putin. However, if they are to persist with T-90 upgrade rather than T-95 (the reason for T-95 cut), I don't know then what is point of cancelling the Burlak programme? Also, from what I gathered from reading on the topic, Burlak programme has (had?) some sort official backing and hence, there are(were?) more chances of it seeing the light of the day. However, the timelines were not clear at all and then we hear this.
As for T-90M, it might well be the planned upgrade for domestic as well as export customers - the days of distinction between product for Russian (Soviet) and export customers are over (except for customization). The irony of the situation is that with the planned uprades, the T-90 will be T-90 in all but name. And let us see, what level the cost reaches....
Since India has purchased ~ 1650 T-90 tanks , its obvious these two program will generate interest and will have implications on new purchase or upgrades.
So much for the super-duper T-90. The existing fleet of T-90 will need every major system replaced to bring it to T-90M Standard. The turret itself will have to be completely new to accomodate the aft auto-loader..something necessary to allow the T-90 to fire the longer AFPSDS. By the time this update matures and is finalized, IA will have well ~800-900 tanks in service - >=50% of the fleet.....good luck with updating the whole set with such deep upgrade. And add the cost for APS.....one expensive piece of equipment we're going to have. Might as well buy a new T-90M tanks onlee...
Vina , the FMBT is a very future concept and there is nothing more on this then talks and IA is exploring all options available , but I do not see any serious initiative happening on FMBT till 2015 , since T-90 will be our MBT till 2040
What will happen by 2015 to warrant a new FMBT?