Mad Max meets Modern Warfare. Russia's DIY armored vehicles unveiled

During the recent skirmish in the Krasnohorivka region, Russian forces deployed vehicles that seemed to have been lifted directly from the realms of the Mad Max films or the GLA faction from the video game Command & Conquer: Generals. Surprisingly, these makeshift, armoured monstrosities play a crucial role in Russian military tactics.

The attack led by the Russian forces was successfully thwarted. However, the most astonishing encounter was with a tank encased in scrap metal, effectively wearing a "hangar" of scrap that closely shielded it from above and on the sides.

This peculiar modification offers protection against threats such as FPV-type drones armed with basic single-warhead grenades like the PG-7VL, which can penetrate up to 20 inches of armoured steel. The additional layer of scrap metal detonates these grenades a few inches away from the tank's primary armour, thus safeguarding it.

The Russian tank modification resembles the Sturmgeschütz armoured guns of World War II, which supported advancing infantry. This modern "Frankenstein" version does more than just support; it transports infantry, acting as a cross between a tank and an armoured transporter. The assault team can be accommodated at the rear, behind the turret on the engine cover, while the makeshift armour offers protection from artillery shrapnel.

Dubbed the "armoured turtle," this vehicle is most effective in delivering and supporting airborne assaults on targeted locations. Its additional armour, however, prevents the turret from moving sideways, a limitation not seen in conventional tanks that work in tandem with infantry fighting vehicles (IFVs).

In contrast, Ukraine boasts numerous instances of successful assaults by M2A2 Bradley ODS crews and T-72 tanks supported by infantry and synchronized with drones, as seen in recordings from Awdiyivka’s fierce battles. However, achieving such feats requires extensive training and coordination among the troops, aspects that might challenge the Russians, especially considering their reported losses.