OREANDA-NEWS Russian tanks T-90M "Breakthrough" and T-80BVM can be equipped with active protection complexes "Arena-M", RIA Novosti was informed in the holding "High-precision complexes" (part of the Rostec state Corporation).

The Defense Ministry is interested in equipping Russian armored troops with these complexes as soon as possible, the holding noted.

Alexander Shestakov, head of the Main Tank Directorate of the Ministry of Defense, announced plans to strengthen armored vehicles with these complexes on September 9, 2022. According to him, the Arena-M significantly increases "the protection of the combat vehicle from anti-tank guided missiles and hand-held anti-tank grenade launchers."
 
The Arena-M complex was developed by the Engineering design Bureau, which is part of the High-Precision Complexes. The complex consists of a radar station with high noise immunity, an onboard computer and special ammunition that are installed around the perimeter of the tank tower. The radar station detects targets, and then fires a protective projectile, which destroys the target in flight with a beam of striking elements.

As specified in Rostec, the complex was tested as part of the T-72 tank by foreign anti-tank missile systems. "The tests of the complex were carried out according to an expanded program: not only for the planned targets, which were Russian—made ammunition, but also for foreign, captured ones that Russia began to have," the state corporation reported, noting that the protective system confirmed its effectiveness.