Victory Parade Tanks Head to North-Eastern Military District for Enhanced Combat Readiness

Tanks showcased during the Victory Parade in Moscow on May 9, 2025, are set to be deployed to the special military operation zone (SMO). Alexander Potapov, General Director of Uralvagonzavod, confirmed that the T-90M, T-72B3M, and T-80BVM tanks will be upgraded with additional protection and electronic warfare (EW) systems before being sent to the front lines.

Potapov highlighted that these new vehicles are already equipped with enhanced protection systems in their factory configuration, significantly boosting their combat effectiveness.

Uralvagonzavod has prepared over 60 tanks for the Victory Parades in Moscow and other Russian cities, symbolizing the nation’s military strength. Following the celebrations, these vehicles will undergo modifications, including the installation of dynamic protection and advanced electronic warfare systems designed to counter drones and precision-guided munitions. Such upgrades are crucial for improving the survivability of tanks in intense combat scenarios, where drones represent a significant threat.

Potapov reported that the plant is operating at maximum capacity, fulfilling both scheduled deliveries and urgent orders for the front lines. Uralvagonzavod’s production facilities are vital to maintaining the combat readiness of the Russian military, having increased tank production by 20% in 2024 compared to the previous year, with a focus on the T-90M and modernized T-72B3M models. The T-90M, known for its thermal imaging sights and enhanced armor, ranks among the most advanced tanks in Russia’s arsenal, while the T-80BVM, equipped with a gas turbine engine, is prized for its agility in challenging climatic conditions.

The retrofitting of electronic warfare capabilities responds directly to the heightened activity of Ukrainian FPV drones, which are now responsible for up to 60% of threats facing armored vehicles.