Is Serbia’s New M-84 AS3 Tank Really Capable of Competing with U.S. and German Main Battle Tank

At the Partner 2025 defense exhibition in Belgrade, Serbia's defense manufacturer Yugoimport unveiled the M-84 AS3, its latest main battle tank, aiming to position itself as a competitor to prominent Western models such as the U.S. M1A2 Abrams and the German Leopard 2. This addition highlights Serbia’s strategic intent to modernize its armored forces while appealing to international defense markets.

Evolution of the M-84 Tank

The M-84 family has its origins in the 1980s, using a platform based on the Soviet T-72M while incorporating localized enhancements. The first M-84 was manufactured in 1984 and quickly became the most advanced tank produced by a non-Soviet Warsaw Pact member. Historically, the original M-84 was equipped with a 125mm smoothbore gun capable of firing various ammunition types, including armor-piercing and high-explosive rounds. It featured a three-member crew and was noted for its mobility, powered by a V-46TK engine. By the 2000s, the platform showed signs of technological obsolescence, lacking modern features such as thermal sights and reactive armor.

M-84 AS3: Key Features and Upgrades

The newly unveiled M-84 AS3 represents a comprehensive modernization, transitioning from a legacy Cold War platform into a contemporary combat vehicle. While it retains the 125mm smoothbore gun, it now includes a new generation of ammunition for modern armored threats. The automatic loading system has been relocated to the rear of the turret, enhancing crew safety by isolating ammunition in an armored compartment.

Upgrades to the gunner’s station include a sighting system that combines thermal imaging, daylight television, and laser rangefinding, integrated into a digital fire control system. A key feature of the AS3 is its hard-kill active protection system (APS), engineered to intercept incoming anti-tank weapons, enhancing survivability.

The tank also incorporates modular explosive reactive armor, a fuel explosion prevention system, and automatic fire suppression systems. To improve stealth, it features a mobile camouflage kit that reduces infrared and radio frequency signatures.

For situational awareness, the AS3 is fully digitized, with GNSS-based navigation and a 360-degree video surveillance suite, integrated into a command information system. Despite a combat weight of 48.5 tons, it maintains mobility with an upgraded 1,000 hp engine, reaching top speeds over 60 km/h.

Comparative Analysis: M-84 AS3 vs. Western Tanks

The M-84 AS3 may not match the sensor fusion or industrial capabilities of leading Western tanks, but it provides a competitive blend of protection, firepower, and digital capabilities.

M-84 AS3 Development Timeline

• 1984: Introduction of the original M-84.

• 2000s: Identification of technological obsolescence.

• 2017–2020: Development of M-84AS1/2/3 modernization programs.

• 2023: Deployment of M-84AS2 variant.

• 2025: Unveiling of M-84 AS3 at Partner 2025.

Strategic Implications and Export Potential

The M-84 AS3 strengthens Serbia’s defense posture and positions it in the international arms market. It represents a low-cost, high-capability option for nations looking to modernize Soviet-era military assets, especially in Africa, Asia, and the Middle East.

By combining protection, firepower, and digital capabilities, the M-84 AS3 is a practical alternative for countries seeking to enhance armored forces without high costs associated with Western models.