Ukrainian Bradleys to Get Advanced Drone Protection Kit from Metinvest
In the ongoing conflict in Ukraine, technological advancements continue to shape the battlefield. One such development is the introduction of a first-person view drone protection kit for Bradley infantry fighting vehicles (IFVs). This initiative, spearheaded by Ukrainian steel firm Metinvest, aims to address the vulnerabilities of these vehicles against modern drone threats.
Metinvest's Chief Operating Officer, Oleksandr Myronenk, shared insights into this project during an interview with Priamyi. He revealed that the initial samples of the "protective screen" would be sent for testing within a week. This phase is crucial as it involves gathering feedback from military personnel, which will then guide the scaling up of production. "Once we receive feedback from the military, we will be able to scale up production and equip the Bradleys that are currently operating in Ukraine," Myronenk stated.
The need for such a protective kit stems from the realization that the Bradleys, as well as American Abrams tanks, are "insufficiently" protected against modern warfare challenges, particularly those posed by weaponized drones. Ukraine has experienced significant losses, with dozens of Bradleys and at least five of the 31 Abrams sent by the US being taken out partly due to these drone threats. Myronenk explained that the US platforms were previously deployed in regions like Afghanistan and Iraq, where drone attacks were not a significant concern. "For this reason, the Americans did not have experience protecting tanks from such drone attacks," he added. This gap in protection highlights the necessity for additional measures to enhance battlefield survivability.
The drone protection kit, specifically designed for Bradleys, is part of a broader effort to adapt to the evolving threats. The US Army's recent announcement in May about the next-generation M2A4E1 Bradley variant included features like the Iron Fist Active Protection System, improved High Definition Forward Looking Infrared Gunner’s Sight, and an Environmental Control Unit to prevent heat stress for dismounts. However, the Iron Fist is primarily effective against anti-tank missiles, necessitating further protection against drone strikes.
Metinvest's protective screen, made of steel produced by the company, completely envelops the turret, engine compartment, and openings of the vehicle. The installation process is relatively quick, taking about 12 hours per tank. The effectiveness of this screen is notable, with claims that it increases the battlefield survivability of tanks against drone strikes by 30 to 40 percent. Additionally, it provides enhanced protection for the crew compartment, thereby increasing the chances of crew survival in the event of tank damage. While the kit can withstand drone and anti-tank guided missile strikes with recoverable damage, it is not designed to protect against direct hits by artillery or tank shells.
This development underscores the importance of continuous innovation and adaptation in modern warfare. As Ukraine continues to face challenges on the battlefield, initiatives like the drone protection kit for Bradleys highlight the critical role of technological advancements in ensuring the safety and effectiveness of military operations.
