Ukraine and Russia have begun conserving tanks due to the risk of their destruction by drones – WSJ

Ukraine and Russia have started using tanks more sparingly due to the threat posed by inexpensive drones.

This was reported by the American newspaper The Wall Street Journal.

According to the article, drones have destroyed or damaged 6 out of the 31 U.S.-supplied Abrams tanks given to Ukraine and 12 out of 18 new German Leopard models. As a result, these tanks are now being used less frequently and with great caution, as it’s nearly impossible to hide from drones on the battlefield.

Tanks, once considered the “kings” of warfare, have now taken a back seat, and both sides are searching for new ways to utilize them. Tanks are now more often used for covert fire and then quickly retreating.

Both sides are also protecting their tanks from drones by installing metal cages around the turret, which has thin armor and becomes a vulnerable target for drones. This practice is being adopted by other countries, including the U.S. The Americans are working on using lighter metals to make their tanks more maneuverable, installing drone jammers, and adding systems that fire small explosive rounds when an aerial threat is detected.

However, U.S. officials have noted that they would use tanks in combination with air support and air defense systems, which Ukraine does not currently do, and this would provide better protection for the tanks.