Serbia publicly showcased its upgraded M-84AS3 main battle tank for the first time during the “Strength of Unity” parade in Belgrade on September 20. The new variant brings a comprehensive upgrade package compared to the M-84AS2, featuring an Israeli-style active protection system, full-length dynamic armor coverage, improved fire-control systems, and advanced defensive electronics.
The active protection system (APS) uses radar and infrared sensors to detect incoming anti-tank rockets, guided missiles, or high-explosive projectiles, launching countermeasures to intercept or disrupt them before impact. This dramatically boosts crew survivability and keeps the tank relevant against modern precision-guided munitions.
Unlike its predecessor, the M-84AS3 features reactive armor across the entire hull, including the engine compartment. The turret also sports a new compartment, which observers speculate could be linked to the autoloader or other internal subsystems. Additional upgrades include cage armor on the rear, a remote-controlled 12.7 mm weapon station, and a soft-kill suite to jam missile guidance systems.
Officials claim the modernization brings the M-84AS3 closer in capability to Russia’s T-90M, reflecting Serbia’s approach of extending the life of its armored fleet rather than replacing it outright.
Originally developed as a Yugoslav license-built version of the T-72M1, the M-84 entered service in 1984. Produced until 1991 with contributions from over 240 factories across former Yugoslavia, the tank has gone through several upgrades — M-84AS (2004), M-84AS1 (2017), and M-84AS2 (2020). Today, the platform remains in service in Serbia, Croatia, Slovenia, Kuwait, and Bosnia and Herzegovina, proving the value of modernization programs like the M-84AS3 in keeping aging armored fleets effective on today’s battlefield.
