The T-80BVM remains one of the most mobile vehicles in the lineup of Russian tanks. The model reaches speeds of up to 80 km/h thanks to its gas-turbine powerplant and maintains a high pace of movement on the march, the Ministry of Defence said.
The tank is equipped with a 125 mm smoothbore gun, a 7.62 mm PKTM machine gun, and a 12.7 mm Kord anti-aircraft mount. The weapons system makes it possible to engage both ground and low-flying targets.
Protection is provided by Relikt ERA, slat screens, and composite armor. Additional elements reduce vulnerability to shaped-charge munitions and top attacks.
The Sosna-U multichannel sight makes it possible to fire day and night, as well as use guided missiles. This increases the accuracy of engaging targets at long distances.
Earlier, the Russian military began installing unusual protection on T-80BVM tanks, which was nicknamed the "kartuz". It is a cocoon made of steel sheets and grilles that covers almost the entire vehicle but does not impair visibility for the crew.