Russia upgrades T-90 tank to fight drones, but experts see weak spots
Illustrative photo: Russia is upgrading the T-90 to combat drones (Wikipedia)
Russia plans to equip a new batch of T-90M main battle tanks with the Arena-M active protection system, adapted to combat drones, reports Defense Blog.
Russia announced that in 2025, the Arena-M software was updated with a special mode for intercepting drones as they approach the tank. The system is said to be capable of countering small unmanned aerial vehicles, including attack drones.
Russian state media also released a video from the production facilities of Uralvagonzavod. The footage shows a T-72B3A tank with Arena-M installed during assembly, as well as previously known T-90M models with this system at the testing stage.
About Arena-M
Arena-M is an active protection system that uses radar to detect threats and counter-munitions launched from launchers around the tank's turret. The system was originally developed to intercept anti-tank ammunition, but the Russian side claims that its functionality has been expanded to engage air targets.
The published materials contain elements of computer animation that do not fully correspond to the known serial configuration of Arena-M. In the video, counter-munitions are launched from a side compartment rather than from mortars on the turret, which raises doubts about the practical implementation of the claimed capabilities.
Russian officials first spoke about adapting Arena-M to combat drones about two years ago. The current statement is the first public confirmation that the updated software has already been implemented and will be used on new tanks.
T-90 upgrade
According to some sources, the system will be installed primarily on the upgraded version of the T-90M with a new turret and extended rear section, sometimes referred to as the T-90M2. However, production of this variant may be limited in 2026. The Russian Ministry of Defense has not disclosed the number of vehicles or specific modifications.
On the eve of the New Year, Russian troops received another batch of T-90M “Proryv” tanks. According to the Oryx project, since the start of the full-scale war, Russia has lost more than 150 tanks of this type, while their total number in service as of 2024 was estimated at approximately 120 units.
In the summer, fighters from the 429th separate regiment of unmanned systems Achilles destroyed a Russian T-90M tank with the help of FPV drones.
