russian sources claim that T-72B3A main battle tanks fitted with the Arena-M active protection system (APS) have been deployed for the war against Ukraine. According to these reports, the system is capable of defending the tank not only against anti-tank guided missiles and kinetic threats but also against FPV drones.
The reports state that the crews are currently completing training and final preparations before deployment. The tanks are reportedly intended to support assault units during attacks on Ukrainian defensive positions.
Read more: Captured Without a Shot: Ukrainian Troops Return russian T-72 to Combat (Photos)
Defense Express notes that the T-72B3A shown in the released imagery features not only the Arena-M APS but also a relatively standard factory-installed anti-drone "cope cage," which provides only limited protection for the turret roof. An electronic warfare (EW) system is mounted on top of the cage.
The vehicle is also fitted with rubber side screens, commonly referred to by russian crews as lopukhi ("burdocks"), attached to both the turret and hull. These additions were likely installed by the crew rather than at the factory. Overall, however, the tank presents a stark contrast to the massive improvised protective structures, known as "garages" and "hedgehogs", that have become commonplace on russian armor.
It is not the first time russian sources have claimed that Arena-M-equipped T-72B3 and T-90M tanks were being sent to the front. Previous announcements ultimately resulted only in appearances in propaganda footage rather than verified battlefield deployments.
russia officially announced a contract to produce tanks equipped with the Arena-M system in 2024. Photos allegedly showing a T-72B3A at the front surfaced in the spring of 2025, while another vehicle appeared during exercises conducted by russia's Center grouping in May 2026.
These developments suggest that at least a limited number of Arena-M systems have entered service. Whether they will actually be used in assault operations, however, remains uncertain. russian forces now employ armored vehicles sparingly, with tanks more commonly serving as improvised self-propelled artillery firing from concealed positions.
It is also worth noting that although the latest version of Arena-M has reportedly gained the ability to engage top-attack threats, it remains unclear whether it can reliably intercept FPV drones under actual combat conditions. Performance during controlled testing is one thing; surviving the complexity of the battlefield is another.
The system also has inherent limitations. Arena-M carries only 12 interceptor munitions, with two assigned to cover each 90-degree sector. As a result, a coordinated swarm of drones could potentially overwhelm the system. In addition, the interceptor rounds themselves are relatively expensive and require regular replenishment.
So far, neither T-72B3A nor T-90M tanks equipped with Arena-M have appeared in verifiable frontline footage. This suggests either that the vehicles remain in the rear for training and may be committed later, or (consistent with current russian tactics) that they are being employed primarily as improvised artillery rather than in direct assaults.
It is worth recalling that development of the Arena active protection system dates back to the 1980s, while the first concepts originated in the 1970s. Despite decades of promises, russia only announced the completion of trials on the T-72B3 variant in 2023.
By then, however, the widespread emergence of FPV drones had created a new requirement, prompting additional upgrades to improve the system's anti-drone capabilities. As Defense Express has previously noted, it remains unknown whether Arena-M will prove effective against FPV drones in combat, particularly given that even Israel's Trophy APS has faced challenges countering such threats.
Read more: russia Still Has 800 T-72A Tanks to Convert Into T-72B3M—What Does This Mean for Ukraine?
