Russia is expected to unveil its new version of T-72B3 main battle tanks fitted with new armour package at the Victory Day parade in Moscow for the first time on 9 May.

The new version of T-72B3 is fitted with armour plates on each side at the front of the hull and wire cage armour at the rear part to increase protection of the engine compartment against RPG (Rocket-Propelled Grenade) threats. The developers took into account the experience of fighting in Ukraine, Georgia and Syria.

According to armyrecognition.com, the armour of the turret is also upgraded with a new armour package including new generation of ERA (Explosive Reactive Armour) mounted on each side of the turret, while the rear part of the turret is fitted with wire cage armour similar to the system used to protect the rear part of the hull.

Early, the T-72B3 has been deployed on operations on the Russia/Ukraine border where it has demonstrated a high level of survivability because it is fitted with the latest generation Kontakt-5 explosive reactive armour (ERA), which provides protection not only against missiles and rockets fitted with a high-explosive anti-tank (HEAT) warhead, but also kinetic energy projectiles.