Ukrainian Abrams Tank Survives 4-6 Russian Fiber-Optic FPV Drone Strikes

The sturdiness of the Abrams design and armor is why it is useful on the modern Ukrainian battlefield - and why it may provide a model for drone-resistant armored vehicles of the future. JL

Sofiia Sygaivska reports in Defense Express:

The Abrams tank sustained 4-6 direct hits from fiber-optic FPV drones, with one drone entangled in the tank’s protective netting and two others missing their target. Despite repeated attempts by Russian drones to penetrate the tank’s engine and hull, the Abrams tank’s combination of anti-drone “grill” armor and reactive armor blocks proved effective. “And that’s why the Abrams tank rocks. Would be impossible on a [Russian/Soviet] T series tank,” the commander stated, underscoring the vehicle’s robust design and adaptability. The crew survived unscathed. 

Ukrainian crew survives multiple strikes thanks to advanced armor and ingenuity

Recent footage has emerged online showing russian FPV drones targeting the Abrams main battle tank operated by the Ukrainian forces in Kursk region. The dramatic encounter, involving multiple drone strikes, has become a testament to the tank’s resilience and the crew’s resourcefulness.

Rob Lee from the Foreign Policy Research Institute and Michael Kofman from the Carnegie Endowment for International Peace interviewed the tank commander from the 47th Separate Mechanized Brigade, uncovering details of the incident. Over approximately two minutes, the Abrams tank sustained 4-6 direct hits from fiber-optic FPV drones, with one drone entangled in the tank’s protective netting and two others missing their target.

Despite repeated attempts by russian drones to penetrate the tank’s engine and hull, the Abrams tank’s combination of anti-drone “grill” armor and reactive armor blocks proved effective.

 

“And that’s why the Abrams tank rocks. Would be impossible on a [russian/Soviet] T series tank,” the commander stated, underscoring the vehicle’s robust design and adaptability.

The Abrams tank / screenshot from video

While the crew ultimately abandoned damaged tank, they survived unscathed, thanks to their proactive approach to reinforcing the Abrams tank with custom protections.