A new modification of the T-72B3 tank has been identified on the production line of the Russian armored factory Uralvagonzavod, drawing the attention of military analysts to the recent changes in the modernization program of Russia’s armored fleet.
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The first images of the updated vehicle were released in a video during the celebration of Gunsmith Day, a traditional event of the Russian defense industry.
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Main visual and structural changes
The most evident modification is the installation of wedge-shaped containers with integrated “Relikt” explosive reactive armor on the vehicle’s turret, a solution similar to that adopted on the T-80BVM. This measure is seen as a logical evolution compared to the improvements introduced in March, when the T-72B3 only received protection kits for the upper frontal hull.
At that time, the regular use of reactive armor elements on the rear screens of the tank was also recorded, an area frequently targeted by Ukrainian FPV drones.
In the recent images, a change in the design of the anti-drone cage above the turret can be observed. The system now integrates not only explosive armor modules but also four radiotransparent domes with antennas, components linked to an electronic warfare (EW) complex.
Challenges on the frontline
Despite the improvements, experts highlight the tendency of Russian crews to dismantle part of the original systems, replacing them with improvised adaptations considered more effective in combat, especially against air and drone attacks.
Another point of attention is that, although the images show the new version being produced in parallel with previous T-72B3 models, there is no confirmation as to whether this represents early large-scale deployment or an experimental prototype.
Absence of the Arena-M system
Interestingly, the modernized vehicle shows no signs of the installation of the Arena-M active protection system, designed to intercept missiles and drones before impact. In March of this year, some units were observed equipped with this feature, including at least one vehicle identified in action in Ukraine.
The update demonstrates Russia’s effort to extend the service life of the T-72, the main armored vehicle of its fleet, adapting it to new threats on the modern battlefield, marked by the intensive use of drones and advanced anti-tank systems.
Source and images: Militarnyi | Telegram @uralvagonzavod. This content was created with the help of AI and reviewed by the editorial team.
