Russia's upgraded Arena-M system: A response to anti-tank threats
The Russian company Rosoboronexport demonstrated the operation of the Arena-M system launcher against a missile attacking from the upper hemisphere. We explain what this means.
In response to the widespread use of anti-tank guided missiles and drones by Ukrainians, the Russians have suffered significant losses in tanks, reaching nearly 4,000 units identified with photographs. This suggests that the actual number of destroyed machines could be even higher.
In response, the Russians began equipping some new or refreshed vehicles with a modified Arena-M active protection system. A recording from a few years ago showed the interception of a grenade from an RPG-7 that was directly flying. A new recording has appeared to demonstrate resistance to upper hemisphere missile attacks.
Significant progress by the Russians
It is worth noting that this is significant progress for the Russians, but the interception appears to have been carried out at an angle smaller than 60 degrees. It is important to note that missiles from the FGM-148 Javelin system can hit a target almost vertically, especially at shorter distances, which the Arena-M will struggle with if the test shows its maximum capabilities. Moreover, in response to Arena-M's capabilities, manufacturers of Javelin or Spike systems could adjust the software to allow missiles to dive at a steeper angle.
On the other hand, it will be effective against older overfly top attack missiles, which fly directly towards the target and detonate above it. This applies to rockets such as TOW-2B, RBS-56B BILL 2, or NLAW.
Arena-M system - development of an ambitious idea
The Arena-M active protection system shown during the Army-2024 show is a development of the Arena system, which has been in progress since the 1980s. It is worth highlighting that the Russians were initially pioneers in active protection systems.
An example of this is the 1030M Drozd system, developed in the 1970s, which can be seen on the experimental T-80UM2 tank. However, due to the USSR's technological and financial problems, the realisation of this idea was halted.
However, it became an inspiration for Israeli designers, leading to the development of the most effective and popular active protection system today, the Rafael Trophy. Meanwhile, in Russia, the Arena system was developed, which was to consist of a radar and countermeasure launcher.
Arena-M - the new version considers modern threats
The new version, Arena-M, will likely modify the older solution. The previous version could only detect objects moving at speeds above 70 metres per second and ignored missiles attacking from above, such as TOW-2B or FGM-148 Javelin, which, as can be seen, has been improved to some extent.
Additionally, the Arena-M system is lighter than its predecessor and may be able to shoot down first-person view (FPV) drones. However, it must be remembered that the system must have a filter that distinguishes dangerous objects from, for example, birds. There is a possibility that drone pilots, through trial and error, will find a way not to activate the system, for instance by approaching more slowly.
Moreover, theoretically, the Russians had to confront the key challenge associated with using Arena and similar systems: the risk to their soldiers near the tank. However, considering the current disregard for soldiers' safety, there is doubt whether any measures have been taken.
