In 1916, British engineer William Tritton designed the “Flying Elephant” tank to protect against artillery threats on the battlefield during World War I. Now, over a century later, Russian engineers have modified tanks to protect against small explosive drones in Ukraine. The tank features a steel armor roof that covers the entire vehicle, resembling a modern version of Tritton’s tank.
Despite the tank’s unusual modification, experts believe this add-on armor will not be effective as Ukrainian FPV drone operators are skilled at maneuvering their drones to hit tanks where they are most vulnerable. The protruding armor on the tank blocks the turret’s movement and restricts the tank’s mobility. This puts the crew in danger and is not a practical solution to counter drone attacks.
The Russians and Ukrainians have been improvising their tanks with crude metal roofs and cages to combat drone threats since Russia’s invasion of Ukraine in 2022. This improvisation has now become standard practice on many tanks, including those in Israel. Both sides are also experimenting with radio jammers and antennae to counter incoming drones and creating new vehicle types by combining spare chassis and weapons.
One notable creation is the Ukrainian MT-LB-12, which involves mounting old anti-tank guns onto armored tractors to produce a self-propelled tank-destroyer. This unique design allows for quick deployment in combat situations, showcasing the adaptability and innovation of the Ukrainian territorial forces in response to changing battlefield conditions.
As the conflict in Ukraine continues and drone production increases, Russian tankers are faced with the choice to adapt or face significant losses. With over 100,000 FPVs being produced monthly and Russian tank losses exceeding 2,600, the need for additional protection against drones on tanks is critical. The crude modifications seen on the Russian Flying Elephant reflect the evolving nature of mechanized warfare in response to emerging threats.
In conclusion, the battlefield is constantly evolving, and military forces must innovate to stay ahead of their adversaries. Russian tankers are adapting to the changing environment by implementing makeshift armor and other countermeasures to protect against drone attacks. As technology advances, we can expect to see further modifications and developments in armored vehicles to meet the challenges of modern warfare.
