Russian tanks get 'medieval' with anti-drone armor upgrade
The Russians have numerous self-modified tanks that have garnered the attention of military analysts. Undoubtedly, the "knight" tank, mentioned on Facebook by the Military Portal, falls into this category. The "knight" is essentially a Russian T-80BWM tank enhanced with anti-drone chainmail.
The Military Portal highlighted the Russian T-80BWM tank "dressed in anti-drone chainmail, which doesn't add to its knightly appearance." This modification by the Russians aims to increase crew safety amidst drone strikes, a significant challenge for various tanks and armored vehicles.
The "knight" is not the first instance of Russian creative invention. Previously, similarly modified machines appeared on the battlefield, such as the so-called "turtle tank" enhanced with steel elements, giving it a unique look. However, while reports of "turtles" in Ukraine have surfaced several times, the "knight" is considered a novelty.
Russian T-80BWM tanks
The Russian T-80BWM tank is one of the most advanced modernizations of the legendary T-80 series, a significant part of the Russian armed forces' equipment for decades. The T-80BWM was developed through a comprehensive modernization program to improve combat capabilities and adapt the vehicle for modern warfare. This addresses the growing needs in terms of mobility, protection, and firepower.
T-80BWM is equipped with a GTD-1250 engine generating 1250 horsepower, enabling the tank to reach a top speed of about 45 mph on paved roads and approximately 25-30 mph off-road. The tank's armor has been significantly reinforced with the modern Relikt reactive armor system, which protects against anti-tank shells, including both kinetic and cumulative types. Combined with passive multilayered armor, this provides a high level of protection from both distant attacks and close combat. Additionally, the tank features active protection systems that enhance survival chances on the battlefield.
The main armament of the T-80BWM is a 125-millimeter 2A46M-4 smoothbore gun, capable of using a wide range of ammunition, including anti-tank rounds, high-explosive fragmentation rounds, and 9M119 Refleks guided missiles. The tank also incorporates the modern Sosna-U fire control system, enabling precise targeting both day and night. The integrated thermal imaging system and laser rangefinder significantly boost operational effectiveness in all weather conditions.
