Russian Tank Upgrades: Evaluating the T-90M2's Modernization Efforts

Overview of Russian Tank Modernization Efforts

According to RedEffect, Russia's experiences in Ukraine have prompted significant changes to its tank fleet. The most notable updates center on the T-90M2, an upgraded version of the T-90M, which is regarded as Russia's most advanced active-service tank. Early indications of these changes are observable in newer T-90M variants deployed in recent engagements.

Among these updates, a crucial addition is the Arena-M Hardkill Active Protection System (APS). This system is designed to intercept a variety of threats, including loitering munitions such as first-person-view (FPV) drones, along with rocket-propelled grenades (RPGs) and anti-tank guided missiles (ATGMs). Deployment trials and testing showed some promise, and units equipped with Arena-M, particularly T-72B3M tanks, have reportedly been deployed on Ukraine's front lines. Notably, FPV drones, a significant cause of tank losses on both sides of the conflict, are a primary target for this technology. Recent footage has even suggested that Arena-M may counter top-attack munitions such as the Javelin missile.

Despite these advances, RedEffect notes that initial results show mixed success. Visual evidence reveals instances where tanks equipped with Arena-M still suffered destruction or were abandoned after drone strikes. This brings into question the system's consistent effectiveness and points to potential limitations.

Performance and Limitations of the Arena-M Active Protection System

RedEffect elaborates that while the Arena-M system is capable of neutralizing certain aerial threats, its real-world effectiveness has been inconsistent. Video evidence from combat zones includes both successful and unsuccessful intercepts. Russian authorities claim that the system can intercept drones as well as top-attack munitions, yet footage from Ukraine contradicts the assertion that Arena-M offers foolproof protection. Videos have surfaced showing drones destroying or disabling Russian tanks equipped with the system, leading to debate over the reasons for its apparent failures.

Speculation has arisen about the causes, with some doubting the system's capabilities altogether and others suggesting alternative explanations. RedEffect posits several possibilities: first, failures could occur if the system's charges have been depleted after fending off a series of attacks. Arena-M is equipped with 12 charges, providing targeted defense in four 90-degree zones around the tank. If multiple attacks target the same area, as often observed on the tank's rear or rear-left section, the system may run out of charges.

Another factor could be the system's physical vulnerabilities; damage to the system itself from explosions, even those intercepted, could render it inoperable. Additionally, the Arena-M may face challenges in defending against certain types of attacks. For instance, drones targeting the tank from directly above may evade the APS. A common attack vector, this approach takes advantage of the current configuration, which does not include radars oriented in that direction. Explosive reactive armor (ERA) cages mounted above the turret roof could be intended to compensate for this limitation, though they come with their own issues in terms of weight and structural durability.

RedEffect highlights another technological hurdle: current hard-kill APSs, including the Arena-M, lack the capability to engage and neutralize every threat with perfect reliability. RedEffect compares this with some NATO advancements, citing systems that connect radar to remote-controlled weapon stations, enabling the use of machine guns or airburst autocannons to defeat drones. These systems offer greater ammunition reserves than Arena-M's limited 12 protective charges.

Ultimately, RedEffect concludes that assessing the Arena-M's efficacy is extremely difficult. Numerous factors, including potential post-attack video editing by adversaries and inherent technical limitations, make it hard to determine its true operational success rate.

Anticipated Developments for the New T-90M2 Tank

RedEffect outlines several key design updates expected for the new T-90M2 model. These include a redesigned turret with less conventional angles. Moving away from the sloped side armor, this marks a departure from a hallmark feature of Soviet tank designs since the T-64 and T-72 series. Reports suggest that the flatter turret design could strengthen structural rigidity and create more internal space. However, this change may also make the tank's side armor more vulnerable to certain angles of attack, although this could be mitigated with additional ERA protection.

Another highly anticipated improvement is a likely upgrade to the T-90M2's reverse speed. According to RedEffect, Russian tanks have struggled with poor backward speeds for decades. This has proven to be a major disadvantage that the current war in Ukraine has highlighted. Tanks with inadequate reverse speed often must turn around to retreat, which exposes weak points such as the rear armor to enemy fire. The T-90M2 may incorporate a "reverser" system, allowing the same gear ratios in reverse as in forward motion. This upgrade would significantly enhance tactical mobility and survivability.

The T-90M2 is also expected to feature the Arena-M APS as standard equipment. Some speculate the turret redesign is partly intended to better integrate the system, although this remains unconfirmed. Additionally, the tank's rear armor may see further strengthening, including enhanced protection for the turret ring, a known vulnerability exploited by drone attacks during the conflict in Ukraine. Despite the announced production of 10 units of the T-90M2 in 2026, further details are awaited to confirm these anticipated changes.

Modernization of T-80UE1 Tanks with New Technologies

Parallel to T-90 upgrades, the T-80UE1 tanks are undergoing modernization as part of Russia's broader efforts to improve its armored forces. RedEffect highlights the integration of the Relikt ERA, an enhanced explosive reactive armor technology. This upgrade has been long overdue, especially considering that many T-80U tanks were not modernized to these standards despite the availability of the technology. The implementation of additional ERA elements, particularly around the vulnerable turret ring, is seen as a crucial enhancement.

Although the T-80UE1 tanks possess modern fire control systems, RedEffect notes that they do not feature certain advanced sights, such as the PNMT or Sosna-U, which provide automatic target tracking. Nonetheless, the tanks are equipped with second-generation thermal optics, which were originally part of the Sosna-U system.

In addition to these improvements, there are tentative plans to produce T-80 variants with some design aspects of the T-90M turrets and potentially more powerful engines. Current gas turbines in T-80 tanks deliver 1,250 horsepower, while future options could increase this to 1,400 horsepower, improving mobility and maneuverability. This marks a significant step, as T-80 tanks have been largely neglected since the collapse of the Soviet Union due to their higher operational costs.

Challenges in Evaluating Russian Armor Performance

The effectiveness of new systems like the Arena-M APS remains a contentious issue, says RedEffect. While some video evidence shows successful intercepts of drones and projectiles, other footage depicts Russian tanks with Arena-M either destroyed or abandoned after drone attacks. The inconsistent results highlight the challenges of assessing the system's reliability.

One major difficulty lies in the possibility of selective video evidence. Footage from the Ukrainian side may focus on Arena-M failures while discounting its successes. Despite claims of 10 to 20 drones being required to neutralize a single tank equipped with Arena-M, the current footage doesn't provide a comprehensive picture. RedEffect underscores that while the APS might intercept some threats, related explosions can still cause damage to the tank or the APS itself, potentially rendering it inoperable for subsequent attacks.

Another critical limitation, according to RedEffect, is the system's inability to detect threats directly above the tank. Unlike top-attack missiles that strike at an angle, drones often dive vertically, evading the radar fields of the Arena-M. This raises questions about whether the system, in its current form, can offer sufficient protection against the rising prevalence of drone warfare.

RedEffect emphasizes that the shortcomings of the APS highlight the need for continued innovation in counter-drone systems. These shortcomings include limited protective charges, potential system vulnerabilities after activation, and constrained sensor coverage. The evolution of such technologies will be vital for improving the survivability of modern armored vehicles operating in increasingly contested battlefields.

What was said, and when

The points this article makes, and the moment in the recording where each was said. Every time below opens the recording at that moment.

• Russia's experiences in Ukraine have prompted significant changes to its tank fleet. 00:00.
• The most notable updates center on the T-90M2, an upgraded version of the T-90M, Russia's most advanced active-service tank. 00:08.
• The newer T-90M variants have been deployed in recent engagements. 06:05.
• Arena-M Hardkill Active Protection System (APS) is designed to intercept loitering munitions, RPGs, and ATGMs. 00:00.
• Units equipped with Arena-M, particularly T-72B3M tanks, have reportedly been deployed on Ukraine's front lines. 00:50.
• FPV drones are a significant cause of tank losses on both sides of the conflict. 01:01.
• Footage has suggested that Arena-M may counter top-attack munitions such as the Javelin missile. 01:14.
• Visual evidence reveals instances where tanks equipped with Arena-M still suffered destruction or were abandoned after drone strikes. 01:22.
• Arena-M is equipped with 12 charges, providing targeted defense in four 90-degree zones around the tank. 04:15.
• Damage to the system itself from explosions intercepted by Arena-M could render it inoperable. 03:36.
• Arena-M may face challenges in defending against drones targeting the tank from directly above. 05:02.
• Explosive reactive armor (ERA) cages mounted above the turret roof could be intended to compensate for the limitation of Arena-M's detection capabilities. 05:09.
• Hard-kill APSs, including Arena-M, currently lack the capability to engage and neutralize every threat with perfect reliability. 03:32.
• Some NATO advancements in APS systems use radar connected to weapon stations to defeat drones with machine guns or airburst autocannons. 05:45.
• RedEffect concludes that assessing Arena-M's efficacy is extremely difficult due to post-attack video editing and technical limitations. 04:38.
• T-90M2 is expected to have a redesigned turret with less conventional angles compared to previous models, moving away from sloped side armor. 07:01.
• The flatter turret design of the T-90M2 could strengthen structural rigidity and create more internal space. 07:19.
• A likely upgrade to the T-90M2's reverse speed would allow the same gear ratios in reverse as in forward motion. 07:43.
• The announced production of 10 units of the T-90M2 is scheduled for 2026. 06:26.
• T-80UE1 tanks are reportedly integrating the Relikt ERA as part of their modernization. 08:45.
• T-80UE1 tanks do not feature advanced sights such as PNMT or Sosna-U, but possess modern fire control systems. 09:03.
• Future T-80 tank variants could incorporate design aspects of T-90M turrets and more powerful engines delivering up to 1,400 horsepower. 10:34.
• T-80 tanks have been largely neglected since the collapse of the Soviet Union due to higher operational costs. 10:58.
• Footage shows Russian tanks with Arena-M either destroyed or abandoned after drone attacks. 01:40.
• Claim exists that 10 to 20 drones are required to neutralize a single tank equipped with Arena-M. 04:50.
• Explosions intercepted by Arena-M may still cause damage to the tank or APS itself, reducing its effectiveness. 03:36.
• Arena-M's radar cannot detect threats directly above the tank. 05:09.
• Drones diving vertically could evade Arena-M's radar fields. 05:02.
• The APS's shortcomings include limited protective charges, potential system vulnerabilities after activation, and constrained sensor coverage. 03:36.
• RedEffect emphasizes the need for continued innovation in counter-drone technologies for armored vehicles. 05:45.