An improved variant of the T-72B3 that features the Arena-M APS is coming to the game in the Leviathans major update!
T-72B3A: An MBT for the USSR at Rank VIII
At a glance:
- Arena-M Active Protection System
- Kontakt-5 ERA
- Improved engine, but still slow reverse speed
- Tandem ATGM
- Thermal imager
Vehicle History
The T-72B3A is a further modernization of the Soviet T-72, developed in the 2010s to enhance its combat performance while maintaining its proven design. One of the key elements of the upgrade was the addition of the Arena-M Active Protection System (APS), which significantly increased the vehicle’s survivability in modern combat.
The Arena-M itself is an improved version of the Soviet Arena system, designed to automatically detect and destroy incoming anti-tank weapons such as ATGMs and RPGs before they make contact with the tank. The system uses radar to detect threats and launches countermeasure charges that create a damaging field at a distance of 5-10 meters from the tank. Unlike the basic Arena, the M modification features improved electronics, increased countermeasure immunity, and the ability to integrate with other protection systems.
Introducing the T-72B3A!
The Russian T-72B3 is getting better with a new variant! Meet the T-72B3A, featuring the Arena-M active protection system. It’s coming soon in the Leviathans major update, so sit back and read on to find out how this thing works!
The Arena-M stands out as one of the most modern active protection systems in the world. It consists of a radar, sensor system, and special defensive countermeasures that launch upwards and towards threats upon detection, destroying them with a focused stream of fragments several meters from the tank. Twelve launchers are positioned around the turret and house these countermeasures, providing all-round protection for the tank and partial cover for the upper hemisphere against missile attacks from above. It can effectively neutralize all types of ATGMs, including tandem warheads, although it cannot intercept kinetic energy penetrators.
Interesting: After firing, the Arena-M countermeasures are controlled by wires through commands, which in a split second turn the charge towards the approaching threat. Due to the velocity gradient of the fragmentation field, the fragments first hit the shaped-charge area and fuse of the enemy projectile, and then the explosive substance in the casing!
The Arena-M is going to be another line of defense for the already well-protected T-72B3. Speaking of which, the T-72B3A’s hull and turret are covered with Kontakt-5 ERA blocks, which come in handy when the Arena-M’s countermeasure charges run out. Having said that, this ERA is still good as additional protection against kinetic shells! Other than that, this tank’s main protection is the same as other Russian MBTs, with steel and composite armor.
Just like its predecessor, the T-72B3A is armed with a 125 mm cannon with a good selection of available shells, including 3BM60 APFSDS and the 9M119M1 tandem ATGM. Rounding this off is the fire control system that includes a laser rangefinder and thermal imager for the gunner.
In addition to its advantages, the T-72B3A also inherits the disadvantages of the B3 variant, namely the weaker armor area at the front of the gun mantlet, the driver port and the huge ammo carousel for the automatic loader. Though, perhaps the most detrimental aspect of the T-72B3A is the reverse speed, a very poor -4 km/h — something you’d come to expect for most Russian MBTs.
That’s all for this blog, the Leviathans major update is almost ready, we’re all waiting for its release and can’t wait to play it on the live servers with all of you. See you around!
Please note that this vehicle’s characteristics may be changed before it is added to the game.