Russia has displayed an updated version of the T-80U-E1 tank to mark the 50th anniversary of the T-80 tank series. The turret is sourced from the T-80UD variant while the hull is a modernized version from T-80B/BV/U models.
To enhance protection, Relikt explosive reactive armor has replaced the older Kontakt-5 armor on the turret. Three-layer rubber plates have been installed on the reactive armor blocks, and the front hull section has also been equipped with Relikt armor. Similar to modernized T-80BVM tanks, this version likely features Relikt armor on the chassis sides as well.
The modernization of T-80U/UD tanks signals a significant reduction in Russia's current operational T-80 fleet. High losses of T-80BVM tanks combined with the depletion of Soviet-era T-80B/BV reserves have forced Russia to modernize its remaining T-80 series tanks across all variants and return them to combat duty.