The M-84AB1 main battle tank is a Serbian upgrade of the previous M-84. It is also referred as the M-2001. It was revealed in 2004. Some sources suggest that a small number of these tanks are in service with the Serbian Army. It is also proposed for export customers. In 2005 the Serbian M84AB1 was tested in Kuwait as a part of international tender. Its main rivals were the Polish PT-91 Twardy and Croatian M-95 Degman. However Kuwait selected the Degman MBT.

   The M-84AB1 is similar to the Russian T-90 in terms of capabilities and appearance. This main battle tank uses Russian supplied Kontakt-5 explosive reactive armor, Shtora countermeasures system, fire control system, Agava-2 thermal imaging system and many other components.

   Composite armor of the M-84AB1 consists of steel, titanium, tungsten, aluminum as well as modular Kontakt-5 explosive reactive armor plates. It offers protection against modern tandem warheads. The Shtora countermeasures system reduces hit probability of enemy anti-tank guided missiles with semi-automatic guidance. This main battle tank is fitted with NBC protection and automatic fire suppression systems. However some sources claim that the M-84AB1 looses to the T-90 in terms of protection.

   The M-84AB1 is fitted with improved 125-mm smoothbore gun and a carousel-type autoloader. This tank is compatible with Russian 9K119 Refleks (NATO designation AT-11 Sniper) anti-tank guided missiles, launched from the tank gun in the same manner as ordinary munitions. These missiles have a range of 4-5 km and can also engage low-flying helicopters. Because of improved targeting systems the M-84AB1 is capable of all-weather, day/night firing.

   Secondary armament consists of coaxial 7.62-mm machine gun and another roof-mounted 12.7-mm MG.

   This tank has a crew of three, including commander, gunner and driver.

   This main battle tank is powered by a turbocharged diesel engine, developing 1 200 hp. It is worth mentioning that the M-84AB1 outperforms the T-90 in terms of speed and mobility. This MBT is fitted with a built-in self-entrenching blade. It can be also fitted with a deep wading kit and is capable of submerged fording. External fuel tanks can be carried for extended range.