Key Factors
- Russia mentioned new batches of T-90M tanks will probably be outfitted with the Area-M energetic safety system that includes an anti-drone interception mode.
- A Russian Protection Ministry officer mentioned the Area-M software program was up to date in 2025 to interact drones approaching armored autos.
Russia will equip a brand new batch of T-90M important battle tanks with the Area-M energetic safety system that includes an “anti-drone” mode, a Russian Protection Ministry officer mentioned throughout a broadcast on Russia‑24.
The officer mentioned work on updating the Area-M software program was accomplished in 2025, including a devoted sub-mode designed to intercept drones as they method the tank. The system is meant to counter small unmanned aerial autos, together with assault drones, earlier than they attain the automobile.
Footage aired alongside the assertion confirmed armored autos inside manufacturing services at Uralvagonzavod. The video included a T-72B3A fitted with Area-M throughout meeting and beforehand recognized T-90M tanks outfitted with the identical energetic safety system throughout trials.
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Area-M is a hard-kill energetic safety system designed to detect and intercept incoming threats utilizing radar and counter-munitions launched from devoted mortars mounted across the turret. The Russian officer mentioned the up to date software program permits the system to interact aerial targets related to drone assaults, increasing its position past conventional anti-tank munitions.
Russian state media visuals accompanying the report included a pc animation of the system’s operation. The animation depicted the counter-munition being launched from a facet gear field relatively than the turret-mounted mortars, a element inconsistent with the recognized configuration of Area-M proven on manufacturing autos.
Official statements about modifying Area-M to counter drones had been first made by Russian officers roughly two years in the past. The newest announcement represents the primary on-air affirmation that the up to date software program has been applied and will probably be utilized to newly produced tanks.
Some sources have claimed that the Area-M system will probably be put in solely on a revised model of the T-90M, generally known as the T-90M2, that includes an up to date turret with an expanded rear part. These sources have additionally mentioned manufacturing of that variant in 2026 can be restricted, although the Protection Ministry officer didn’t touch upon manufacturing numbers or particular sub-variants throughout the broadcast.
