Ukraine has reportedly sent thousands of radio-controlled, first-person-view drones with one-pound warheads hurtling into Russian armored vehicles. While one of them is highly unlikely to outright destroy a 51-ton tank on its own, several hits by the drones might, and they could have the ability to finish off a tank already damaged by a mine or missile. Since Ukraine kept sending them — as they’re cheap, effective, and easy to produce — Russian forces found it necessary to add a bit of protection.
Video of an armored assault by Russia’s 5th Motorized Rifle Brigade on Krasnohorivka, and another appearance of a tank with a massive counter-FPV shelter and EW jammer, which continues to driving after a DPICM strike. It looks like the lead tank in the first video has a… pic.twitter.com/fQk3FN6ymx
— Rob Lee (@RALee85) April 16, 2024
Obviously, there are some drawbacks to adding a metal roof to a tank. As Forbes reports, it appears that the side walls could hinder the tank’s turret from rotating, and in no way does the shell help the tank move or the visibility of the troops inside. They also won’t help defend against heavier weapons like artillery or an anti-tank missile. However, that’s not their purpose. Russia appears to be streamlining operations to current threats, and since Ukraine has been low on the aforementioned heavy munitions, sending the drones, and defending against them, is the current priority.
