It was first publicly revealed in 2017, the upgraded T-80BVM has slightly improved armour protection. It is fitted with Relikt explosive reactive armour kit. The same armour is used by the latest Russian main battle tanks, such as T-90M and T-90MS.

However, the T-80BVM was the first operational tank to be fitted with this new explosive reactive armour. The Relikt provides protection against tandem warheads and reduces penetration of APFSDS rounds by over 50%. The tank was fitted with rubber side skirts, with built-in armour plates. Rear parts of the hull and turret are covered by cage armour. The T-80BVM is reportedly fitted with a passive counter measure systems, which improved protection against some types of anti-tank guided missiles.