M-84AS1

The imperative for modernization of Serbia's aging M-84 fleet presented the Military Technical Institute Belgrade and Serbian Defense Industry with numerous tasks and challenges.

Serbia inherited some 212 M-84 from Yugoslavia of which most never experienced any kind of modernization since their adoption. Though a modernization program for the M-84 called M-84AB1 (later renamed to M-84AS) has been presented in 2004 by Serbia featuring several russian weapon systems, it has never seen mass adoption and only 10 M-84 were upgraded to this standard, probably due to the financial and political situation of Serbia at that time.

Since then tank designs around the world saw a number of fundamental improvements like the incorporation of explosive reactive armour, updated subsystems and optics or even active protection systems. It became evident that even the M-84AS modernization was obsolete and a completely new modernization program was needed to bring the M-84 to a level where it could keep up in terms of effectiveness and protection.

The first version of M-84AS1 from 2017 had several changes and improvements compared to the M-84A and basic M-84 including original model of T-72.

Domestic first-generation explosive reactive armour was applied (comparable to Kontakt-5), covering a bigger area of the front turret and a sizeable portion of the front plate, providing better protection. A new fire-control system with domestic laser and radar warning systems was implemented along with a 12.7mm remotely controlled weapon station and a soft active protection suite. The back of the hull and turret is further fitted with cage armour while armour plates attached to the frontal hull remained.

Although these changes were an improvement over the previous M-84, this design still had major flaws, especially when it comes to protection. It was criticized for the low reactive armor coverage, bad sensor placements and low situational awareness.{{cite web|last1=Foss|first1=Christopher F|date=6 July 2017|title=Serbia takes wraps off enhanced M-84 MBT offerings|url=http://www.janes.com/article/72105|url-status=dead|archive-url=https://archive.today/20170707012402/http://www.janes.com/article/72105/serbia-takes-wraps-off-enhanced-m-84-mbt-offerings|archive-date=7 July 2017|access-date=7 July 2017|website=IHS Jane's 360|location=Belgrade}} The weaknesses of this initial version were recognized and further development of the modernization package commenced. The result was a revised M-84AS1 which was presented in 2020.

File:M-84AS1_01.jpg

File:M-84AS1 02.jpg

The M-84AS1 from 2020 corrected many of the flaws that were found on the previous version from 2017.{{Cite web|title=Minister Vulin: The upgraded M-84 AS1 tank has shown good ideas of our designers|url=http://www.mod.gov.rs/eng/tekst/16522/ministar-vulin-modernizovani-tenk-m-84-as1-pokazao-je-dobre-ideje-nasih-konstruktora-16522}}{{Cite web|date=6 October 2020|title=Serbian Ministry of Defence Showcases Upgraded M-84 AS1 Main Battle Tanks|url=https://militaryleak.com/2020/10/06/serbian-ministry-of-defence-showcases-upgraded-m-84-as1-main-battle-tanks/}} The turret and hull are almost completely covered with domestic second-generation explosive reactive armour M19, providing increased protection from modern threats like top-attack or tandem-charge missiles according to the designers. A total of nine new subsystems are integrated.{{Cite web|title=Šta sve može modernizovani tenk M-84 i kada bi mogla da bude lansirana nulta serija|url=https://www.rts.rs/page/stories/sr/story/125/drustvo/4104628/vojska-vezba-sadejstvo-2020-pester.html}} Among them an improved fire-control system with an integrated day/night sight and new sensors.

New forms of passive and Active protection system are developed. Protection against Top attack{{Cite web|title=Ogroman iskorak na koji se čekalo od 1991. Godine|url=http://www.mod.gov.rs/lat/16107/ogroman-iskorak-na-koji-se-cekalo-od-1991-godine-16107}} missiles like FGM-148 Javelin is increased by using better composition of modular Explosive reactive armour that protects top of turret and soft kill Active protection system that is using Smoke grenade with Infrared smokes to create Smoke screen in order to block missile guidance. Day/night, thermal cameras and commander scope with 6 low light cameras{{Cite web|title=Optoelektronska oprema u Vojsci Srbije|url=http://www.mod.gov.rs/lat/16471/optoelektronska-oprema-u-vojsci-srbije-16471}} with other sensors increase Situation awareness of tank crew. Early warning sensors for detection of radar,{{Cite web|title=UORZ- Digitalni širokopojasni radarski izviđački sistеm | SDPR - Yugoimport|url=https://www.yugoimport.com/lat/proizvodi/uorz-digitalni-sirokopojasni-radarski-izvidacki-sistem|access-date=2021-04-25|archive-date=2023-01-27|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20230127145749/https://www.yugoimport.com/lat/proizvodi/uorz-digitalni-sirokopojasni-radarski-izvidacki-sistem|url-status=dead}} laser designation{{Cite web|title=Najbolji domaći tenk brani se dimnim kutijama od lasera|url=https://www.politika.rs/sr/clanak/390643/Drustvo/Najbolji-domaci-tenk-brani-se-dimnim-kutijama-od-lasera}} and launching of rockets are coupled with automatic delivery of Smoke grenade towards threat to achieve protection. Second generation (comparable to third generation in other countries) of domestic Explosive reactive armour ERO-19{{citation needed|date=March 2022}} better than Kontakt-5 and comparable with Relikt is developed to protect against newer tandem charge HEAT warheads. Additional slat armor for protection against rocket-propelled grenades is also present.{{Cite web|title=Serbia unveils modernised M-84 AS1 MBT|date=12 June 2020 |url=https://www.janes.com/defence-news/news-detail/serbia-unveils-modernised-m-84-as1-mbt}} Automatic fire extinguisherhttp://www.eiopek.co.rs/pdf/DKM-s.pdf {{Bare URL PDF|date=March 2022}} capable to react in milliseconds with modern UV sensors for fire detection is added to stop explosions in tank compartments. New type of RCWS with 12.7mm machine-gun is added so commander can operate safely inside turret.{{Cite web|title=New upgrades for Serbian M-84 AS1 MBT main battle tank | June 2020 News Defense Global Security army industry | Defense Security global news industry army 2020 | Archive News year|date=9 June 2020 |url=https://www.armyrecognition.com/june_2020_news_defense_global_security_army_industry/new_upgrades_for_serbian_m-84as1_mbt_main_battle_tanks.html}} In total about 21 news subsystems are developed to increase survivability, mobility and precision of M-84AS1 and M-84AS2.{{Cite web|title=Pametna municija i reaktivni oklop za tenk M-84|url=https://www.politika.rs/sr/clanak/433200/Drustvo/Pametna-municija-i-reaktivni-oklop-za-tenk-M-84}} CBRN defense is increased with new sensors and automation process.{{Cite web|title=Tank RCS radiological-chemical subsystem | SDPR - Yugoimport|url=https://www.yugoimport.com/lat/proizvodi/tank-rcs-radiological-chemical-subsystem|access-date=2021-04-25|archive-date=2022-10-08|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20221008203117/https://www.yugoimport.com/lat/proizvodi/tank-rcs-radiological-chemical-subsystem|url-status=dead}}{{Cite web|date=13 August 2017|title=Yugoimport: Το M-84AS1, νέα έκδοση του σερβικού άρματος M-84 (Vid.) | Defence-point.gr|url=https://www.defence-point.gr/news/yugoimport-m-84as1-i-nea-ekdosi-tou-servikou-armatos-m-84-vid}} New tank gun 125mmhttp://www.mod.gov.rs/lat/17187/nabavka-novih-lazara-3-za-vojsku-srbije-17187 - Izjava ministra Stefanovića with modern thermal sleeve will be produced in Borbeni složeni sistemi factory and new ammunitionhttp://www.mod.gov.rs/lat/14342/ministar-vulin-domaca-pamet-u-sluzbi-napretka-nase-vojske-14342 - Izjava pukovnika Pavkovića{{Cite web|title=Pametna municija i reaktivni oklop za tenk M-84|url=https://www.politika.rs/sr/clanak/433200/Drustvo/Pametna-municija-i-reaktivni-oklop-za-tenk-M-84}} with better penetration and explosive characteristics including 125mm Airburst round.The APFSDS shell that is being issued to the tank is known to have 500mm of penetration at 2 kilometers range.{{Cite web|title=Izvršeno gađanje tempirnom municijom u okviru ispitivanja protivavionskog topa L-70 Bofors|url=https://www.rts.rs/page/stories/sr/story/125/drustvo/3980602/vojska-munciija-gadjanje-top-bofors.html}}{{Cite web|title=Na poligonu "Miokovci" predstavljeno novo oružje Vojske Srbije (FOTO)|url=https://pink.rs/drustvo/214000/gadjanje-tempirnom-municijom-40-mm-u-okviru-verifikacionog-ispitivanja-usavrsenog-protivavionskog-topa-l-70-bofors-pasars}}{{Cite web|title=Tеnk M-84AB1 | SDPR - Yugoimport|url=https://www.yugoimport.com/lat/proizvodi/tenk-m-84ab1|access-date=2021-04-25|archive-date=2022-10-08|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20221008022710/https://www.yugoimport.com/lat/proizvodi/tenk-m-84ab1|url-status=dead}}{{multiple image

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Numerous companies will participate in production of many tank subsystems while Tehnički remontni zavod Čačak{{Cite web|url=https://www.novosti.rs/srbija/vesti/922151/modernizuju-sve-pasarsa-m84-trz-cacak-proslavio-sjajan-jubilej-cak-95-godina-postojanja|title = MODERNIZUJU SVE - OD "PASARSA" DO M84: TRZ Čačak proslavio sjajan jubilej - čak 95 godina postojanja}} will be finalist for modernized tank under a guidance by Military Technical Institute Belgrade.

Producers involved in production of M-84AS1 tank and subsystems are:

• Technical Overhauling Institute "Čačak" - reactive and other armor,{{Cite web|url=http://www.politika.rs/sr/clanak/390643/Drustvo/Najbolji-domaci-tenk-brani-se-dimnim-kutijama-od-lasera|title = Najbolji domaći tenk brani se dimnim kutijama od lasera}} overhaul and modernization center{{Cite web|url=https://mediaportal.rs/2018/09/28/obelezen-dan-tehnicko-remontnog-zavoda/|title = Obeležen Dan Tehničko-remontnog zavoda | MediaPortal.rs}}{{Cite web|url=https://www.ekapija.com/news/1559630/trz-cacak-obelezio-91-godinu-postojanja-cilj-osvajanje-remonta-tenka-m-84|title = TRZ Čačak obeležio 91 godinu postojanja - Cilj osvajanje remonta tenka M-84}} and finalist for new tanks
• ATB Sever - automatic loading system {{Cite web|url=http://www.gradsubotica.co.rs/moze-li-sever-da-remontuje-tenkove-m-84/|title = Može li SEVER da remontuje tenkove M – 84| date=21 April 2011 }}
• Sloboda - ammunition{{cite web | url=http://www.sloboda.co.rs/fsp.htm | title=Fabrika Specijalnih Proizvoda }} and smoke discharge units
• PPT Namenska - hydraulics, transmission parts and turret movement system{{Cite web|url=https://www.danas.rs/ekonomija/prva-petoletka-inzenjeri-nece-biti-problem/|title = Prva petoletka: Inženjeri neće biti problem - Ekonomija - Dnevni list Danas|date = 27 April 2011}}
• Teleoptik žiroskopi - optics, gyroscopes and gyroscopic devices and Fire-control system with software, electronics and electronic elements of active protection system{{Cite web|url=http://ziroskopi.rs/category/proizvodni-program/borbena-vozila/ziroblok/|title=Жироблок Archives|access-date=2021-04-25|archive-date=2022-04-15|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20220415234322/http://ziroskopi.rs/category/proizvodni-program/borbena-vozila/ziroblok/|url-status=dead}}
• Zastava kovačnica{{Cite web|url=http://www.zastava-kovacnica-kg.rs/index.html|title=Zastava Kovačnica}} (part of Zastava Arms) - tank tracks{{Cite web|url=http://www.glassumadije.rs/kovacnica-gusenice-za-jugoslovenski-tenk-m84-i-ruski-t-72/|title = Kovačnica: Gusenice Za Jugoslovenski Tenk M84 I Ruski T 72|date = 5 February 2020}}
• 14. oktobar - finalist,{{Cite web|url=https://books.google.com/books?id=hltOAQAAMAAJ&q=14.+oktobar%2C+Kru%C5%A1evac+m-84&pg=SA1-PA110|title=Soviet/Russian Armor and Artillery Design Practices: 1945-1995|year=1996}} modular tank engine manufacturer, engine and transmission parts, shell parts for ammunition{{Cite web|url=https://www.14oktobar.rs/product/body-shell-with-copper-ring-he-125mm-m86p1-for-tank-m-84/|title=Body shell with copper ring HE 125mm M86P1 (For tank M-84)|access-date=2021-04-25|archive-date=2023-07-21|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20230721031230/https://www.14oktobar.rs/product/body-shell-with-copper-ring-he-125mm-m86p1-for-tank-m-84/|url-status=dead}}{{Cite web|url=https://www.14oktobar.rs/product/body-shell-with-copper-ring-125mm-heat-t|title=Body shell with copper ring 125mm HEAT-T|access-date=2021-04-25|archive-date=2023-07-21|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20230721025731/https://www.14oktobar.rs/product/body-shell-with-copper-ring-125mm-heat-t/|url-status=dead}}
• Yugoimport SDPR - 125mm gun and barrels,http://www.mod.gov.rs/lat/17187/nabavka-novih-lazara-3-za-vojsku-srbije-17187 - Izjava ministra Stefanovića welded turrets, rcws, radio-logical-chemical subsystem, fire suppression subsystems{{Cite web|url=https://www.yugoimport.com/en/proizvodi/podsistemi-borbenih-vozila|title=Combat vehicle subsystems | SDPR - Yugoimport|access-date=2021-04-25|archive-date=2022-12-06|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20221206180636/https://yugoimport.com/en/proizvodi/podsistemi-borbenih-vozila|url-status=dead}}{{Cite web|url=https://www.yugoimport.com/lat/proizvodi/tenk-m-84ab1|title=Tеnk M-84AB1 | SDPR - Yugoimport|access-date=2021-04-25|archive-date=2022-10-08|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20221008022710/https://www.yugoimport.com/lat/proizvodi/tenk-m-84ab1|url-status=dead}}
• EI Opek - detection of cumulative charge breach for automatic fire extinguisher, tank ammunition fuseshttp://www.eiopek.co.rs/pdf/DKM-s.pdf {{Bare URL PDF|date=March 2022}}http://www.mod.gov.rs/lat/14342/ministar-vulin-domaca-pamet-u-sluzbi-napretka-nase-vojske-14342 - Izjava pukovnika Pavkovića
• Imtel komunikacije,{{Cite web|url=http://www.insimtel.com/?p=home|title = Imtel Komunikacije}} Belgrade - UORZ -Radar warning and direction finding system - part of protection system
• Zastava Arms - machine-guns 12.7mm and coaxial 7.62mm

Many improvements that are adopted for M-84AS1 and M-84AS2 Serbian domestic modernization, gave better final results than some other current modernization programs developed for T-72. While basic armour of some T-72 versions is better than basic armour of M-84, additional newer and better placed modular Explosive Reactive Armour{{Cite web|url=https://www.politika.rs/sr/clanak/433200/Drustvo/Pametna-municija-i-reaktivni-oklop-za-tenk-M-84|title=Pametna municija i reaktivni oklop za tenk M-84}} will provide better cover and protection and new systems will provide much better additional situation awareness with better gun and ammunition. The new tank variant will feature an improved engine over a regular T-72 (increased from 780 to 840 horsepower), that will give an overall edge in combat to M-84AS1 compared most other modernized T-72 variants. In terms of protection, it is often considered even better than its Russian T-72B3 counterpart.{{Cite web|url=https://www.rts.rs/page/stories/sr/story/125/drustvo/4104628/vojska-vezba-sadejstvo-2020-pester.html|title = Šta sve može modernizovani tenk M-84 i kada bi mogla da bude lansirana nulta serija}}{{Cite web|url=https://zbiam.pl/serbia-oficjalnie-przyjela-czolgi-t-72ms-do-uzbrojenia-wideo/|title=Serbia oficjalnie przyjęła czołgi T-72MS do uzbrojenia [WIDEO]|date=2 December 2020}}{{Cite web|url=https://vestnik-rm.ru/news/oborona-i-bezopasnost/chem-serbskij-m-84as1-prevoshodit-rossijskij-t-72b3m|title = Чем сербский М-84АС1 превосходит российский Т-72Б3М}}

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• M-84
• M-84AS
• M-84D

{{Reflist}}

{{Commons category|M-84AS1}}

• [https://web.archive.org/web/20090326135834/http://www.odbrana.mod.gov.rs/odbrana001/64-65.pdf Article on the M84-AB1, published in "Odbrana" {{in lang|sr}}]
• [https://web.archive.org/web/20061121011349/http://www.parliament.uk/commons/lib/research/rp99/rp99-034.pdf Article on M-84 published by UK parliament commons]
• [http://www.forecastinternational.com/samples/650_2005.pdf Forecast international on tank engine]
• [https://web.archive.org/web/20110706182243/http://pubs.drdc.gc.ca/PDFS/unc41/p519698.pdf Canadian assessment of ordnance]

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