Click to see full-size image. Via Telegram.
Video footage posted to social networks on March 29 showed a Russian T-72B3M main battle tank equipped with an improved Arena-M active protection system (APS) successfully intercepting munitions during a live fire test.
The footage was reportedly released by Rosoboronexport, the sole state intermediary agency for Russia’s exports and imports of defense-related and dual use products, technologies and services. It remains unclear when exactly the tests took place.
A part of the footage showing the Arena-M intercepting a munition mimicking a rocket-propelled grenade coming from the side directly was released in the past. However, another part showing the interception of a munition mimicking what appears to be a top-attack anti-tank guided missile (ATGM) at a much higher angle was never seen before.
The Arena-M was designed by the Kolomna Engineering Design Bureau to detect, track and intercept munitions coming from all aspects. The APS uses a radar to detect incoming munitions with a speed up to 700 meter per second from 50 meters. Upon detection, one of 22 defensive munitions is fired at the inbound threat, destroying it before it could hit the vehicle.
Previously, it was reported that the system was capable of intercepting incoming munitions from minus six to 20 degrees. However, the new footage indicates that the system has been upgraded to intercept munitions at up to 35 or even 40 degrees, which covers the attack angle of the American-made FGM-148 Javelin ATGM.
It is still unclear however if the APS has been also upgraded to deal with new threats like FPV suicide drones flying at speeds as low as 10 meters per second.
Major tank manufacturer Uralvagonzavod, a part of Russia’s state-owned defense conglomerate Rostec, confirmed in February that its T-90M and T-72B3M tanks were being equipped with the Arena-M system. Earlier this month, photos showing a T-72B3M equipped with the system in the special military operation zone surfaced online.
The Arena-M is expected to significantly increase the survivability of Russian tanks. In the future, the Russian military could also install the APS on other vehicles, like BMPT tank support fighting vehicles and BMP-3M infantry fighting vehicles.
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