Serbia Demonstrates Modernized M-84AC3 Tank with Active Protection at Military Parade

Serbia presented a new modernization of the M-84 tank, designated the M-84AC3, during a military parade.

The version is equipped with an active protection system (APS), likely of Israeli origin.

The AviaKurs Telegram channel published the photos of the tank, and the Serbian Ministry of Defense confirmed its participation in the parade. The upgrade had not been previously disclosed, and details remain limited.

Based on images and video, the most visible change compared to the earlier M-84AC2 is the addition of an APS resembling the Iron Fist system developed by Israel’s Elbit Systems.

If confirmed, Israeli systems on Serbian tanks would reflect close defense ties between Belgrade and Tel Aviv. Serbia is among the few European states whose relations with Israel have not cooled over the war in Gaza.

Beyond purchases, Serbia started exporting military products to Israel in October 2023.

The AC3 also features extended side protection, with dynamic armor covering the entire length of the hull, replacing the lattice protection used on the AC2’s engine compartment.

The turret appears to include a new niche, though whether this indicates changes to the autoloader or another function remains unclear.

M-84

The M-84 was developed from the Soviet T-72M1, the export version of the T-72A. It entered service with the Yugoslav People’s Army in 1984, followed by the upgraded M-84A with a modernized engine. Production continued until 1991.

The M-84AC2 modernization, introduced in 2020, added second-generation M19 explosive reactive armor, said by developers to be comparable to Russia’s Relikt. It also introduced an upgraded fire control system with day/night optics, new sensors, laser warning receivers, and a remotely operated weapon station with a 12.7 mm machine gun.

The AC2 was fitted with a new domestically produced 125 mm gun with a thermal sleeve, along with ammunition offering greater armor penetration and programmable high-explosive shells.