Russia’s T-72B3M tank equipped with the Arena-M system has been observed on the battlefield

A Russian T-72B3M main battle tank fitted with the Arena-M active protection system has been observed on the battlefield in Ukraine for the first time.

This upgraded tank, designed to enhance survivability against contemporary anti-tank weaponry, signifies the operational introduction of the Arena-M system in combat scenarios.

The Arena-M system is a sophisticated active defense solution that detects, tracks, and neutralizes incoming anti-tank projectiles before they can impact the vehicle. It employs radar technology to identify threats and deploys interceptor charges to eliminate them in mid-air. This system is specifically tailored to counter modern anti-tank guided missiles (ATGMs) and other high-velocity threats, thereby improving a tank’s resilience against enemy fire.

In contrast to earlier models, the Arena-M boasts enhanced threat detection capabilities and quicker response times, making it more adept at addressing next-generation threats. By intercepting projectiles at close range, the system minimizes the chances of armor penetration and reduces the risk of crew injuries.

In February 2025, Uralvagonzavod (UVZ), a subsidiary of Russia’s state-owned defense conglomerate Rostec, announced that its T-90M and T-72B3M tanks would be outfitted with the Arena-M protection system. This information was shared by a UVZ representative and reported by Russia’s TASS news agency.

The deployment of tanks equipped with the Arena-M underscores Russia’s commitment to bolstering the protection of its armored forces against the increasingly advanced anti-tank weaponry employed by Ukraine. However, the effectiveness of the system in real combat remains uncertain, as previous Russian active protection systems have encountered difficulties in actual combat situations.

The emergence of the T-72B3M with Arena-M on the battlefield indicates that Russia is focusing on enhancing the defenses of its frontline armored units. It remains to be seen how effectively the system will perform against modern Western-supplied anti-tank weapons, such as the Javelin and NLAW systems, which have been extensively utilized by Ukrainian forces.