Russian tank crews have been seen adapting their vehicles in an unconventional way in an attempt to defend against persistent Ukrainian explosive drone strikes. Recent footage circulating online shows Russian tanks with fixed, shell-like metal structures surrounding them as they move along the frontlines in Ukraine. One video captured by a drone shows a tank encased in a turtle-like contraption near the town of Krasnohorivka in eastern Ukraine, sparking curiosity and amusement online. The tank in the video is a T-72, and the metal casing partly covers the tank’s main gun while leading other vehicles without the same protection.
The new contraption, jokingly referred to as a “turtle tank” or a “Russian Ninja Turtle tank,” is a response to the heavy tank losses Russia has suffered since invading Ukraine. Estimates suggest that Russia has lost around 3,000 tanks since February 2022. This is not the first time Russia has resorted to adapting its tank fleet with improvised armor to shield against Ukrainian strikes. The country has also attached roof screens to rocket launchers and other vehicles in an effort to enhance protection.
Russia’s tactic of adding improvised armor to tanks is not limited to land vehicles. Last month, reports indicated that Russia had applied a similar tactic to a naval vessel for the first time. Additional fortifications, known as “cope cages,” are meant to reduce the impact of munitions strikes on valuable assets like tanks. Ukraine has proven adept at targeting Russian tanks with first-person-view (FPV) drones, which are frequently used to strike armored vehicles in the conflict. Electronic warfare systems used by both Russia and Ukraine to intercept incoming drones are not always effective in safeguarding all of Russia’s tanks, leading to a greater reliance on physical protection.
The constant threat posed by Ukrainian FPV drones has led to various unconventional projects in an attempt to protect Russian armored vehicles. One such project includes the turtle-like cage seen in recent footage, which is intended to offer continuous protection around the tank. The details of these protective structures are unclear, and it is not known how many have been produced or if they are simply utilizing materials available in the field. Russian military bloggers and analysts have commented on the ingenuity of these adaptations in the face of evolving threats on the battlefield.
As the conflict in Ukraine continues to escalate, both Russia and Ukraine are employing innovative tactics and technologies to gain an advantage on the battlefield. The adaptation of tanks with unconventional protective structures is just one example of the ongoing efforts to defend against sophisticated drone strikes and other threats. With both sides utilizing advanced weaponry and tactics, the conflict remains a complex and evolving struggle for control over Ukrainian territory.
