However, the available open-source record underscores that translating this concept into reliable battlefield performance will be technically challenging. Ukrainian and Western reporting has stressed that current Arena-M prototypes struggle to detect mini and micro UAVs built from low-visibility materials, particularly when they fly against complex ground clutter at very low altitude.

The micro-Doppler approach described in the patent may mitigate this to some extent, but it also increases the risk of false alarms, since birds, wind-blown debris, and civilian quadcopters can produce comparable signatures. High false-alarm rates are a serious issue for hard-kill APS, because each engagement consumes limited ammunition and carries a non-negligible risk to nearby friendly troops in the fragmentation cone.

Furthermore, the patent does not by itself resolve geometric limitations. Arena-M installations documented so far provide little coverage directly above the turret, an angle frequently exploited by top-attack ATGMs and diving FPV drones.

facepalm how is Russia so bad at making tanks lol? Thankfully these genius Russian tank design decisions will save many Ukrainian lives!