- Yes
- No (Explain why)
Suggestion No.100
Zdravo. I want to suggest a brand new Serbian tank for my 100th suggestion, coming from the more early AS2 model, but heavily improving protection and other factors in it, which the M-84AS3 offers :)
Description:
Spoiler
The M-84AS3 is Serbia’s most advanced main battle tank (as of now), developed as a direct improvement over the M-84AS2. While the AS2 introduced upgrades to the original M-84AS1 platform, the AS3 builds on these enhancements with deeper structural, electronic, and defensive refinements. It retains the 125mm smoothbore cannon with automatic loading, but now features a more sophisticated fire control suite, including a new thermal imaging camera, digital meteorological sensors, and GNSS-based positioning and orientation. One of the most important additions is the hard kill active protection system, possibly coming from the GL-6, which dramatically increases survivability against modern ATGMs and projectiles, a capability the AS2 lacked. The combat compartment has been fully redesigned for all crew members, improving ergonomics, operational efficiency, and protection. The remote controlled 12.7 mm weapon station has been relocated outside the turret to enhance crew safety during combat. Additionally, the turret space at the back has been used to store more ammo (similar to the T-90M). Situational awareness is further improved through a 360° audio surveillance system and upgraded telecommunications. Mobility is maintained with a new engine and gearbox set delivering up to 840hp and up to 1000hp, forged rubber tracks, and a reinforced cooling system, allowing the tank to reach speeds of up to 60km/h despite its increased weight of 48.5 tons.
History:
Spoiler
The M-84 main battle tank was developed in Yugoslavia during the early 1980s as a licensed and improved version of the Soviet T-72. Production began in 1984, and the first series entered service in 1985. The original M-84 featured a 125mm smoothbore cannon, composite armor, and a Yugoslav made designed fire control system.
In 1988, the M-84A variant was introduced with improved armor, a more powerful engine (1000 hp), and upgraded electronics. This version became the basis for export models such as the M-84AB (for Kuwait) and M-84ABK (command variant).
Following the breakup of Yugoslavia, Serbia inherited most of the M-84 fleet. In 2004, the M-84AB1 modernization program was launched. It incorporated Russian Kontakt-5 ERA, a new fire control system, and improved optics, as well as 2 Shtora soft kill APS systems and 4 radars meant to scan for targets.
In 2017, Serbia unveiled the M-84AS1 prototype, followed by the M-84AS2 in 2020. These variants featured domestic upgrades including modular ERA, a new fire control system, remote weapon station, digital communications, and improved situational awareness.
The M-84AS3, the newest one, has the main feature of having a hard kill APS system, most likely being a GL-6 or derived from one. Only one was displayed during the recent 2025 parade in Beograd along with AS1/2’s.
Armaments:
Spoiler
2A46M 125mm smoothbore cannon
12.7mm RCWS MG
7.62mm coax MG
The 125mm cannon is capable of firing the…
PKO-TM M88, copy or licensed version of CL3579 Mk2 APFSDS shell from IMI (Israel)
APFSDS-T M88 (Something important to note; M88 is an often used Serbian term for their APFSDS, like their older, no longer used 3BM9 APFSDS shells, so it’s not one of those ancient, soviet time shells.)
HE M86P2
HEAT-T M17
HEAT-T M88P1
Refleks-M/Svir gun launched ATGM
Hard Kill APS systems (either a GL-6 or derived from one)
LWS
M19 ERA (sadly I cannot find protection infos about it, only the older ERA models, which are not the same)
Back of the turret modified to carry ammo
etc. (seen below)
If it can carry anything else, then please do tell me!
Specifications:
Spoiler
(Data used for it’s dimensions is from the M-84AS1/2 brochure) The M-84AS3 has a length of approximately 9.7m, 3.6m in width, and 2.2m in height. The tank weights 48.5 tons and is powered with a engine that can go up to 1000hp, HOWEVER, it is possible that it can go up to 1200hp (well, specifically 1180) in the future.
Sources:
Spoiler
IPG 1200 :: Mycity-Military.com
https://defence-blog.com/serbia-shows-new-m-84as3-tank-with-active-protection-system/
Serbia debuts new M-84AS3 tank to counter modern anti-tank weapons
TASS photo: photos and videos for social media, publishers and projects
Thanks a lot for reading! If you have any extra information, then feel free to share them in the replies! As always, have a good day :)
