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Kiev responds to growing threat of drones in Ukraine war A new security system is intended to remedy the situation.
KYIV – Drones have become an integral part of 21st century warfare. They are widely used in Ukraine on both sides. But this creates a problem with other weapons systems: Many of the tanks used are engineers that don’t have to deal with anything like drone strikes.
Like American News Magazine Newsweek Kiev is now reacting to this and wants to make the US-donated Abrams tanks safe against drone attacks. 70 ton tanks are mainly used in eastern Ukraine.
Abrams tanks get anti-drone protection in Ukraine war
A joint Ukrainian heavy industry venture called “Steel Front” has now developed a steel cage built over M1 Abrams tank turrets. “We firmly believe that these designs will help protect the tanks and provide additional security,” said Oleksandr Myronenko, head of Medinvest Group’s operations under the “Steel Front” initiative. Newsweek.
The idea of ​​additional security is not new. Over the course of the war, which lasted more than two years, various, often improved turret shields appeared again and again. These are intended to protect sensitive areas of tanks from controlled attacks on weak points.
Ukraine’s anti-drone umbrellas appear well-made
Teaching small arms expert Matthew Moss argues that Steel Front’s anti-drone armor “seems in stark contrast to the advanced armor of the Russian Turtle variant, which is intended to provide similar protection against drones.” Adaptation of armored vehicles for combat and anti-drone operations in Ukraine.
Moss said the Ukrainian versions appeared to be obstructing the tank’s movements and limited the crew’s visibility. Newsweek. New cages cover the sides of the M1 Abrams’ turrets and the ammunition storage compartment at the rear of the tank. He added that it was one of the vehicle’s “weak points”.
“It remains to be seen whether the distance between the screen and the fuselage is large enough to provide complete protection from FPVs,” ​​Moss said. This probably refers to the digital screens of the tank driver and gunner of the four-man Abrams crew.
Tank Hunters: Drones are becoming increasingly important on the battlefield
Drones can be effectively used to damage critical parts of tanks and disable vehicles. After a successful attack by drones, heavily armored vehicles are easy prey for artillery and anti-tank missiles. “Drones are currently the biggest threat to tanks and all other armored vehicles used by the Ukrainian military,” said Myronenko from the Steel Front initiative.
Soviet-era tanks from Ukraine such as the T-72 were the first to be upgraded. According to Myronenko, designs for 31 donor Abrams came later. He added that progress was being made on the Bradley Infantry Fighting Vehicles donated by the US. The shields of the Abrams were larger than the cages attached to the T-72. Of the 25 cages already built as part of the Steel Front initiative, seven are suitable for Abrams.
Abrams Upgrades: Despite increased drone activity, tanks remain a vital part of the war
Abrams are used exclusively by Ukraine’s 47th Mechanized Brigade. Tanks were a major part of the fight for Avdivka for a long time. Footage of the Abrams clashing with Russian forces west of the Ukrainian city continued to be released.
In total, Ukraine lost five of the 31 US-supplied M1 Abrams. Associated Press reported. The proliferation of drones on the Ukrainian battlefield means “there is no longer any open terrain where you can drive without fear of detection,” a senior US defense official said.
Abrams tanks were withdrawn from the front as a precaution. Admiral Christopher Grady, vice chairman of the US Joint Chiefs of Staff, said the Ukrainians and the US would like to discuss restructuring tactics related to the use of tanks. “Given how warfare has evolved, tanks can be vulnerable in an environment where unmanned aerial systems (drones) are ubiquitous,” Grady said in an interview. Associated Press And said that tanks are still important in war. (spoon)
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