CHELYABINSK REGION, Russia — During the “Center-2026” (Centr-2026) strategic command-and-staff exercises held at the Chebarkulsky training ground, a Russian Army T-90M “Proryv” main battle tank (MBT) demonstrated live-fire interception of incoming unmanned aerial vehicles (UAVs) and loitering munitions using an upgraded variant of the Arena-M (Арена-М) Hard-Kill Active Protection System (APS). The demonstration follows software, radar firmware, and effector modifications introduced by Kolomna Engineering Design Bureau (KBM / Rostec) in early 2026 to introduce a dedicated C-UAS mode to the platform.
Originally designed by KBM to counter high-speed anti-tank guided missiles (ATGMs) and anti-armor rocket-propelled grenades (RPGs), the modified Arena-M system incorporates recalibrated millimeter-wave Doppler radar processing algorithms to detect, track, and classify low-RCS, slow-moving First-Person View (FPV) strike drones and loitering munitions operating within steep vertical dive envelopes. Upon threat confirmation, the system automatically launches directed fragmentation interceptor charges along the threat’s approach vector, detonating them to neutralize the airframe prior to hull contact. First fielded operationally on T-72B3A tanks in mid-2026, the integration of Arena-M onto the frontline T-90M fleet provides organic, localized active defense against high-density tactical drone strikes across contested armored maneuver corridors.
TECHNICAL SPECIFICATIONS: KBM ARENA-M ACTIVE PROTECTION SYSTEM (T-90M INTEGRATION)
* System Classification: Hard-Kill Active Protection System (APS) w/ C-UAS & Anti-ATGM Capability
* Prime Developer & Manufacturer: KB Mashinostroyeniya (KBM, Kolomna) / Uralvagonzavod (UVZ)
* Integrated Platforms: T-90M “Proryv” & T-72B3A Main Battle Tanks
* System Mass & Electrical Architecture: ~1,100 kg total package weight | 27V system power requirement (~1 kW operational draw)
* Detection & Tracking Architecture:
* Radar Type: Multi-panel continuous millimeter-wave Doppler radar array mounted circumferentially around the turret roof
* Detection Coverage: 360-degree azimuth tracking with extended vertical elevation coverage for high-angle / top-attack dive profiles
* Target Spectrum: FPV strike drones, loitering munitions, ATGMs (including top-attack variants), and infantry anti-armor rockets
* Interception & Engagement Mechanics:
* System Reaction Time: ~0.05 to 0.07 seconds from threat detection to effector detonation
* Interceptor Munition Type: Silo-mounted silhouetted directional fragmentation charges arranged in protective cassette panels around the turret circumference
* Intercept Distance: 2 to 7 meters from the tank hull (minimizing collateral splash damage to accompanying infantry)
* Multi-Target Capability: Autonomous engagement sequence with short re-fire latency to counter sequential threat waves
