As drone warfare reshapes modern battlefields, Russia is adapting its armored forces to counter this evolving threat. The recent delivery of upgraded T-90M Proryv and T-72B3M main battle tanks (MBTs) to frontline units underscores the Kremlin’s commitment to maintaining military resilience and deterrence, particularly in the context of the ongoing conflict in Ukraine.
The T-90M and T-72B3M are integral components of Russia’s armored fleet, sharing design characteristics and logistical frameworks that facilitate simultaneous modernization. The T-90M Proryv, the most advanced T-90 variant, boasts Relikt explosive reactive armor (ERA), a 125mm 2A46M-5 smoothbore gun capable of firing guided missiles, and a modern fire-control system with hunter-killer capabilities. Upgrades also include enhanced communications, thermal sights, a new welded turret with modular armor, and electronic counter-drone systems, all contributing to improved survivability and combat effectiveness.
Similarly, the T-72B3M, a modernized version of the T-72, incorporates the 2A46M-5 gun, Relikt ERA, and counter-drone technology. It also benefits from improved mobility via a 1,130 horsepower engine and enhanced targeting through the Sosna-U sight, ensuring its viability on today’s battlefield.
The proliferation of drones, particularly first-person-view (FPV) drones and loitering munitions, has exposed vulnerabilities in traditional armored platforms. In response, Russia has implemented a range of enhancements to its MBTs:
- Reinforced Rooftop Cage Armor: Inspired by the T-80BVM Model 2023, these structures provide physical protection against FPV drone strikes and rocket-propelled grenades (RPGs).
- Rubber Mats: Added to the rear turret and engine sections, these serve as additional shielding, though they may restrict turret movement in combat conditions.
- Electronic Warfare (EW) Systems: Suspected EW antennas mounted at the front hull likely form a forward-facing barrier to intercept low-flying drone threats. These antennas presumably support systems such as the Volnorez anti-drone jammer, which utilizes omnidirectional antennas to interfere with hostile drone navigation systems.
These upgrades reflect battlefield feedback from Russian operations in Ukraine, where drones have repeatedly exposed the vulnerabilities of traditional armored platforms. The adoption of factory-installed counter-drone protections as a standard feature marks a significant evolution in armored warfare.
The decision to upgrade both the T-90M and T-72B3M simultaneously stems from their shared Soviet-era design lineage and logistical compatibility, allowing for a unified approach to protection, mobility, and electronics. This strategy also reduces training, maintenance, and supply chain complexity.
Compared to NATO counterparts such as the M1A2 SEP v3 or Leopard 2A7, which are only beginning to explore integrated anti-drone defenses, Russia’s approach represents a rapid adaptation to ongoing tactical realities. While the full battlefield efficacy of these new configurations remains to be seen, the move demonstrates Russia’s willingness to retrofit legacy systems rather than wait for a next-generation tank to enter production.
Notably, this production effort also underscores Russia’s ability to maintain and even expand its armored manufacturing base despite sustained Western sanctions from the EU and United States, which were intended to curtail the country’s defense industrial capacity. The continued output of advanced MBTs highlights the resilience of Russia’s military-industrial complex and its prioritization of equipping forces engaged in Ukraine with up-to-date systems.
The delivery of upgraded T-90M and T-72B3M tanks by UralVagonZavod, featuring integrated electronic and physical counter-drone protections, signifies a critical shift in Russian defense strategy. By aligning its armored doctrine with the demands of drone-dominated battlefields, Russia is proactively addressing the challenges posed by modern warfare. Whether these enhancements will translate into increased survivability and effectiveness under fire remains uncertain, but they clearly represent a pivotal moment in the evolution of post-Soviet tank warfare.
As drone threats continue to dominate the modern battlefield, especially in Ukraine, these upgrades signal Russia’s response to a new era of tank vulnerability. The delivery, timed just before Victory Day celebrations, underscores the Kremlin’s intent to project military resilience and deterrence.
