Flash News: Russia Delivers Upgraded T-90M and T-72B3M to Russian Army Despite US and EU Sanctions.

As reported by Voenacher on May 6, 2025, Russia’s state-owned manufacturer UralVagonZavod was shown delivering newly upgraded T-90M Proryv and T-72B3M main battle tanks (MBTs) to frontline units, marking a notable reinforcement of Russian armored capabilities with integrated counter-drone protection, despite ongoing US and EU sanctions. Since a Telegram post confirmed their deployment, it is noteworthy that both models now come equipped with factory-installed CUAS (Counter-Unmanned Aircraft System) and counter-FPV physical protection systems.
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The newly upgraded T-90M Proryv and T-72B3M tanks feature a range of enhancements, including reinforced rooftop cage armor similar to that seen on the T-80BVM Model 2023, offering physical protection against FPV drone strikes. (Picture source: Telegram/Voenacher)

As drone threats continue to dominate the modern battlefield, especially in Ukraine, these upgrades signal Russia's response to a new era of tank vulnerability. The delivery, timed just before Victory Day celebrations, underscores the Kremlin’s intent to project military resilience and deterrence.

The T-90M and T-72B3M are two closely related main battle tanks in Russia’s armored fleet, sharing many design characteristics and logistical frameworks, which allowed for their simultaneous modernization. The T-90M Proryv, the most advanced T-90 variant, features Relikt ERA, a 125mm 2A46M-5 gun capable of firing guided missiles, and a modern fire-control system with hunter-killer capabilities. It includes upgraded communications, thermal sights, a new welded turret with modular armor, and electronic counter-drone systems, enhancing survivability and effectiveness in modern combat. The T-72B3M, a modernized T-72, also uses the 2A46M-5 gun, Relikt ERA, and counter-drone tech, while gaining improved mobility from a 1,130 hp engine and better targeting via the Sosna-U sight, making it a viable platform on today’s battlefield.

The newest variants feature a range of enhancements including reinforced rooftop cage armor similar to that seen on the T-80BVM Model 2023, offering physical protection against FPV drone strikes and RPGs. New rubber mats added to the rear turret and engine sections serve as additional shielding, though they may restrict turret movement in combat conditions. More crucially, both tanks now incorporate suspected electronic warfare antennas mounted at the front hull, likely forming a forward-facing barrier to intercept low-flying drone threats. These antennas presumably support systems such as the Volnorez anti-drone jammer, which was previously documented on the T-80BVM Model 2023 and utilizes omnidirectional antennas to interfere with hostile drone navigation systems.

These upgrades reflect battlefield feedback from Russian operations in Ukraine, where drones have repeatedly exposed the vulnerabilities of traditional armored platforms. The adoption of factory-installed counter-drone protections as a standard feature is an important evolution in armored warfare. The rationale behind upgrading both the T-90M and T-72B3M together stems from their shared Soviet-era design lineage and logistical compatibility, allowing a unified approach to protection, mobility, and electronics. This strategy also reduces training, maintenance, and supply chain complexity.

Compared to NATO counterparts such as the M1A2 SEP v3 or Leopard 2A7, which are only beginning to explore integrated anti-drone defenses, Russia’s approach represents a rapid adaptation to ongoing tactical realities. While the full battlefield efficacy of these new configurations remains to be seen, the move demonstrates Russia’s willingness to retrofit legacy systems rather than wait for a next-generation tank to enter production. Although no export contracts have yet been announced for these upgraded models, past sales of the T-90M suggest that clients such as India or Algeria may eventually seek similar modernization packages.

Notably, this production effort also underscores Russia's ability to maintain and even expand its armored manufacturing base despite sustained Western sanctions from the EU and United States, which were intended to curtail the country’s defense industrial capacity. The continued output of advanced MBTs highlights the resilience of Russia's military-industrial complex and its prioritization of equipping forces engaged in Ukraine with up-to-date systems.

The delivery of upgraded T-90M and T-72B3M tanks by UralVagonZavod with integrated electronic and physical counter-drone protections highlights a critical shift in Russian defense strategy, aligning its armored doctrine with the demands of drone-dominated battlefields. Whether these enhancements will translate into survivability and effectiveness under fire remains uncertain, but they clearly represent a pivotal moment in the evolution of post-Soviet tank warfare.