Tanks Evolve: Russia and Ukraine Add Cage Armor to Counter Drone Threats
Russian and Ukrainian Forces Adapt Tanks for Drone Warfare
In a significant shift in armored warfare tactics, both Russian and Ukrainian forces have been observed adding makeshift cage armor to their tanks. This adaptation comes as a response to the increasing threat posed by drones in the ongoing conflict.
The addition of welded cages atop tanks aims to shield crews from unmanned aerial vehicles (UAVs) that either explode on impact or drop bombs from above. However, this protective measure comes at a cost, particularly for Russian forces operating Soviet-style tanks.
Traditionally, Russian tanks have benefited from a low profile design, emphasizing mobility and massed armor. This characteristic has historically made them harder targets on the battlefield compared to their Western counterparts, such as the taller American Abrams or British Challenger tanks.
The newly added cage armor, especially the unusually towering and bulky designs employed by Russian forces, effectively eliminates this low-profile advantage. These modifications make the tanks easier to detect and engage, potentially increasing their vulnerability in certain combat scenarios.
Despite this drawback, the Russian military appears willing to accept this trade-off. In the current conflict, where tank-versus-tank engagements are relatively rare, the omnipresent drone threat to both infantry and vehicles has become a primary concern.
The evolution of these protective measures has been rapid. Initial cage armor designs, which appeared around June 2023, were crude but have since developed into more sophisticated systems. Ukraine, for instance, has created advanced screens for its Abrams tanks that offer improved coverage of vulnerable areas.
Russia’s response includes the notable “turtle tank” design, featuring a cage resembling a garden shed over the tank. While providing some protection against aerial threats, this design significantly increases the tank’s visibility on the battlefield.
This shift in tank design and tactics reflects the changing nature of modern warfare, where the increasing use of drones has forced military forces to adapt quickly. The compromise between protection and traditional design advantages underscores the evolving roles of armored vehicles in contemporary conflicts.
As the situation continues to develop, military analysts will be closely watching how these adaptations impact the effectiveness of armored units in the field, and how they might influence future tank designs worldwide.
