MOSCOW, April 5. /TASS/. The Arena-M reactive armor mounted on the T-72 main battle tank has successfully passed tests using both Russian anti-tank missile systems and foreign trophy munitions, High Precision Systems Group within the state tech corporation Rostec told TASS on Wednesday.
"The armor system has passed tests under an expanded program: not only against planned targets simulated by Russian-made ammunition, but also foreign trophy munitions seized by Russia. The armor suite has proven its efficiency," the Group said.
Preparations are currently at the final stage for accepting the Arena-M reactive armor suite for service as part of T-72 tanks, it said.
"The Russian Defense Ministry is interested in outfitting armored troops with the Arena-M suite as quickly as possible," the Group’s press office said.
The Arena-M reactive armor suite engineered by the Machine-Building Design Bureau is the system mounted on the combat vehicle to shield it against anti-tank grenades and anti-tank missiles. In particular, the Russian-made Arena suite comprises a highly jam-resistant multi-functional target detection radar. The reactive armor suite employs focused instant-effect protection munitions placed in special silos around the tank’s turret.