T-72B3 obr. 2016 (Arena-M): 4-Lines of DefenseNote: Also known as the T-72B3A (specially mentioning the Arena-M), or a modified T-72B3M main battle tank with Arena-M.
A T-72B3 obr. 2016 equipped with Arena-M APS and the Nakidka Thermal Masking Tarp during testing. Of additional note, there is no soft-ERA layer equipped on the vehicle but does equip cage armor around the engine compartment.
- Description :
- The T-72B3 obr. 2016, also known as the T-72B3M, is an upgraded variant of the venerable T-72B main battle tank that serves as the backbone of Russia’s armored forces. It features a number of modernizations over earlier T-72B models, including an upgraded 125mm 2A46M-5 smoothbore gun capable of firing modern munitions like the 3BM60 APFSDS-T, paired with an improved fire control and ballistics computer, an upgraded 1,130hp V-92S2F diesel engine providing improved mobility, and enhanced armor protection through the addition of both Kontact-5 and Relikt explosive reactive armor (ERA). The tank also sports the Sosna-U thermal imaging sight for the Gunner and a combat information and control system for improved target acquisition and fire coordination. Overall, the T-72B3 obr. 2016 represents a significant leap in firepower, protection, and battlefield awareness compared to earlier T-72 variants, allowing it to remain a capable and competitive main battle tank in today’s armored forces. Key specifications include a top speed of 60 km/h, armor protection capable of defeating many anti-tank threats, and a crew of 3 (commander, gunner, driver).
- This specific T-72B3 obr. 2016, also known as the T-72B3A from a previous modification shown in 2015, underwent significant testing and modifications in 2023 to include the installation of the Arena-M active protection system (APS). This system, a modernization of the older Arena APS, features increased effects in all areas. This system, developed by the Design Bureau of Machine Building (KBM), features the capability to target and destroy incoming anti-tank grenades and anti-tank guided missiles (ATGM) such as the TOW-2, Kornet, Spike, FGM-148 Javelin, and more. The Arena-M system consists of transmitter modules, receiver modules, and a control unit distributed around the tank’s turret. This system continuously scans the surrounding space and detects incoming threats such as anti-tank grenades, missiles, and armor-piercing shells. When a threat is detected, the Arena-M system can rapidly deploy countermeasures, like explosive charges, to intercept and neutralize the incoming projectile, providing active protection for the tank and its crew. On top of this system, the Nakidka Thermal Masking Tarp was also utilized to mask the tank’s thermal signature. In all, this is a significant advancement of the T-72, with unofficial reports stating that the vehicle will enter production. New image of production below.
Video of the T-72B3 obr. 2016 destroying an incoming missile with Arena-M.
- “Four lines of defense in order”:
- Nakidka Thermal Masking Tarp
- Arena-M Active Protection System
- Relikt/Kontact-5 Explosive Reactive Armor
- Internal Composite Armor
- Special thanks to @Raiden_Black for the additional images of the vehicle and @ZVO_12_INCH for his additional vehicle information.
- Role : Main Battle Tank
- Origin :
- Russian Federation
- Armament :
- Primary: 2A46M-5 L/48 Smoothbore Gun
- Cartridge: 125mm
- Ammunition:
- APFSDS-T
- HEAT-FS
- HE-FRAG
- GL-ATGM
- 9M119M1 Missile
- Ammunition:
- Feed System:
- 2E42-4 ‘Zhasmin’, 22rd-Autoloader, 44rds total.
- Cartridge: 125mm
- Coaxial: 7.62mm PKT Machine Gun
- Roof-mounted: 12.7mm NSVT Machine Gun
- Primary: 2A46M-5 L/48 Smoothbore Gun
- Maneuverability :
- Engine: 1,130hp V-92S2F Diesel Engine
- Transmission: Automatic (7-Forward, 1-Reverse)
- Chassis: Torsion Bar
- Max Speed: 60km/h (5km/h Reverse)
- Dimensions :
- Length: 7.05m
- Width: 3.89m
- Height: 2.73m
- Weight: ~46.5t
- Crew (3x):
- Commander
- Gunner
- Driver
- Accessories :
- Commander’s IR Searchlight
- Laser Rangefinder
- Additional Protection:
- Relikt ERA
- Paneling on sides of hull.
- No soft-ERA top layer.
- Kontact-5 ERA
- Hull Front.
- Turret Front.
- Nakidka Thermal Masking Tarp
- Reduces overall thermal signature.
- Relikt ERA
- Active Countermeasures:
- 8x 81mm 902B ‘Tucha’ Smoke Grenade Launchers
- Arena-M T09-A6-1 Active Protection System
- Reaction time: 0.05 seconds
- Coverage: 270-degrees
- 90-degree gap of coverage on rear part of turret.
- Operation:
- Continuously Radiating, Autonomous
- System sounds alarm upon deployment of countermeasures to alert nearby exposed personnel.
- Max Range: 50m
- Types of Targets:
- Anti-Tank Guided Missiles (ATGM)
- Anti-Tank Grenades
- First Person View (FPV) Suicide Drones
- HEAT-shaped Munitions
- Speed of Target Max Intercept: 1,000m/s
- Inventory: 12x Counter-Munitions (6x/side)
- RADAR Type: Pulse Doppler
- 6x Transmitters
- 6x Receivers
- Equipment:
- The active protection complex includes a hardware module, transmitting modules, receiving modules, temperature sensors, silos, protective ammunition, a control panel, and a set of cables.
- Entrenching Blade
- ESS
- Optics:
- Driver: TVNE-4B/TSNV (Passive IR)
- Gunner: Sosna-U Gunner’s Sight
- Commander: ТКN-3B (Passive IR)
- Can operate the main gun independently of the Gunner.
- In-game :
- The T-72B3 obr. 2016 (Arena-M) would be the top model of the T-72 in-game. Equipped with Arena-M, a highly capable hard-kill active protection system that can target all sorts of munitions. This coupled with the features of the standard T-72B3 obr. 2016 we have in-game, would be an absolute menace. It is capable of firing 3BM60 APFSDS-T rounds and the 9M119M1 GL-ATGM, and has both Relikt and Kontact-5 ERA coverage. It is worth noting that this vehicle does not have Relikt soft-ERA bags that go over the solid-form of Relikt ERA on the hull sides. However, this vehicle does have the Nakidka Thermal Masking Tarp which would provide a unique thermal-masking signature for the vehicle, a capability not seen implemented in the game yet as well as cage armor around engine compartment.
- Estimated Battle Rating: 12.0
- Based on new Battle Rating changes announced for October.
- Sources :
- Tankograd: T-72: Part 1
- Tankograd: T-72: Part 2
- T-72 Tank
- T-72B3 | Weaponsystems.net
- ODIN - OE Data Integration Network
- https://armyrecognition.com/military-products/army/main-battle-tanks/main-battle-tanks/t-72b3-russia-uk
- Army Guide - V-92S2F, Diesel engine
- RU2797958C1 - Модернизированный танк с комплексом активной защиты - Google Patents
- Комплексы активной защиты (КАЗ, КОЭП, ТШУ, Туча)
- Патент на установку КАЗ Арена-М на танк Т-72Б3М - ANNA NEWS
- T-72B3 Obr.2016 equipped with Arena-M APS
- T-72B3 Arena-M continuation
- "Nakidka" thermal masking tarp
- https://armyrecognition.com/focus-analysis-conflicts/army/analysis-defense-and-security-industry/analysis-how-russia-enhances-tank-camouflage-with-nakidka-system
- Active Protection System (APS) for tanks - Ballistics Science Discussion - Sturgeon's House
- Arena-M: Russia’s Unique Javelin-Stopping Active Protection System
- https://armyrecognition.com/focus-analysis-conflicts/army/conflicts-in-the-world/russia-ukraine-war-2022/russia-to-equip-t-80bvm-and-t-90m-tanks-with-arena-m-active-protection-system
- The russian federation Contracts Installation of Arena APS on TOS-1A, T-90M | Defense Express
- Details of ARENA-M APS Disclosed - European Security & Defence
- Раскрыты особенности работы комплекса активной защиты "Арена-М" - Российская газета
- https://tass.ru/armiya-i-opk/19117713
- ВЗГЛЯД / Новый комплекс «Арена-М» защитит танки от американских ракет :: Новости дня
- KAZ "Arena-M" at the stage of testing and modifications
- Multichannel thermal imaging sighting device gunner "Sosna-U"
- Russian T-90M tanks have received a new Arena-M active protection system — now they can shoot down incoming missiles (Military Watch Magazine, USA) - ВПК.name
- The Army forum will show new solutions developed taking into account its - ВПК.name
- Russia will integrate high-speed radar into T-80/90 tank protection
Imagery/Media
Different views of the vehicle with and without the Nakidka Thermal Masking Tarp, and during fording operations. Fording was conducted to test the systems resiliency post-submerging.
Better views of the Arena-M system and it in action.
View of the Commander’s station during testing.
Arrangement of equipment of the active protection system on the modernized tank. The positions indicate: 1 — twelve shafts with protective ammunition; 2 and 3 — transmitting modules (transmitters); 4 and 5 — receiving modules (receivers); 6 — hardware module.
Continuation of the previous image: 7 — dynamic protection containers; 8 — mesh screens; 9 — lattice screens.
A graphic showing the system from point of detection to interception.
A mockup of the Arena-M on a T-72B3 in 2015.
Sosna-U Thermal Imager used on the T-72B3 obr. 2016.
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