"Arena-M": A modern Russian system for protecting tanks from missiles and drones

The Arena-M active protection complex, which the Russian T-72B3M and T-90M tanks have begun to be equipped with, ensures an enhanced ability to carry out combat missions in the special military operation area.The Russian channel "Voyenaya Priomka" on Telegram reported that the "Arena-M" system is an effective means of countering drones.Ukrainian media previously reported that a Russian tank intercepted seven FPV drones while they were carrying out a mission on the battlefield.According to the channel, the operation of the "Arena-M" system greatly increases the cost of the attack, as the attacking side is forced to use larger numbers of drones, while the tank continues to move and counter the attacks.The channel added: "If the active protection system ensures the ability to counter attacks, support assault forces, and exit the area of operations, then its use is justified, because it achieves two goals at once: preserving the armored vehicle and ensuring the continuation of the operation."The Arena-M system's radar detects approaching threats, and then the system fires defensive ammunition to intercept the attacking missile or drone before it reaches the tank.The system provides protection for the tank from all directions, including attacks from above. Available information indicates that it can be installed on a number of Russian tank models, including the T-72 and T-90.The Arena-M is a Russian active protection system designed to be the last line of defense for armored vehicles. It intercepts and destroys anti-tank munitions and drones before they reach their targets. Russian tanks, including the T-72B3M and T-90M, have begun being equipped with this system.The system operates using a radar that continuously scans the armored vehicle's surroundings. When an approaching target is detected, the radar tracks it and calculates its trajectory before the system launches interceptor munitions from launchers mounted around the tank's turret. The munitions are directed toward the target to intercept and destroy it before it can collide with the tank.Radar coverage: The system includes six radars covering the front, side and rear sectors of the armored vehicle.Ammunition: The system carries 12 ready-to-fire interceptor missiles, with each pair of launchers covering a 90-degree sector. The total number of launchers can reach 14 units, according to patent documents.The Arena-M system was originally designed to intercept anti-tank missiles and high-explosive anti-tank projectiles at speeds of up to 1,000 meters per second and at ranges of up to 50 meters. According to the text, the system has been upgraded to counter FPV suicide drones, which have become a significant threat to Russian armored vehicles.In practical terms, the system aims to increase the cost of attacking the armored vehicle, forcing the attacker to use larger numbers of drones, while enabling the tank to continue moving and supporting infantry forces.The Arena-M system appeared on the battlefield in March 2025, and according to the information received, its deployment on the fronts began in the summer of 2026, while videos showed the system’s success in intercepting drones during some clashes.

The Russian channel "Voyenaya Priomka" on Telegram reported that the "Arena-M" system is an effective means of countering drones.

Ukrainian media previously reported that a Russian tank intercepted seven FPV drones while they were carrying out a mission on the battlefield.

According to the channel, the operation of the "Arena-M" system greatly increases the cost of the attack, as the attacking side is forced to use larger numbers of drones, while the tank continues to move and counter the attacks.

The channel added: "If the active protection system ensures the ability to counter attacks, support assault forces, and exit the area of operations, then its use is justified, because it achieves two goals at once: preserving the armored vehicle and ensuring the continuation of the operation."

The Arena-M system's radar detects approaching threats, and then the system fires defensive ammunition to intercept the attacking missile or drone before it reaches the tank.

The system provides protection for the tank from all directions, including attacks from above. Available information indicates that it can be installed on a number of Russian tank models, including the T-72 and T-90.

The Arena-M is a Russian active protection system designed to be the last line of defense for armored vehicles. It intercepts and destroys anti-tank munitions and drones before they reach their targets. Russian tanks, including the T-72B3M and T-90M, have begun being equipped with this system.

The system operates using a radar that continuously scans the armored vehicle's surroundings. When an approaching target is detected, the radar tracks it and calculates its trajectory before the system launches interceptor munitions from launchers mounted around the tank's turret. The munitions are directed toward the target to intercept and destroy it before it can collide with the tank.

Radar coverage: The system includes six radars covering the front, side and rear sectors of the armored vehicle.

Ammunition: The system carries 12 ready-to-fire interceptor missiles, with each pair of launchers covering a 90-degree sector. The total number of launchers can reach 14 units, according to patent documents.

The Arena-M system was originally designed to intercept anti-tank missiles and high-explosive anti-tank projectiles at speeds of up to 1,000 meters per second and at ranges of up to 50 meters. According to the text, the system has been upgraded to counter FPV suicide drones, which have become a significant threat to Russian armored vehicles.

In practical terms, the system aims to increase the cost of attacking the armored vehicle, forcing the attacker to use larger numbers of drones, while enabling the tank to continue moving and supporting infantry forces.

The Arena-M system appeared on the battlefield in March 2025, and according to the information received, its deployment on the fronts began in the summer of 2026, while videos showed the system’s success in intercepting drones during some clashes.