Russia's 'Armored Barns': Dystopian War Machines hit the Battlefield

The Russian military has recently introduced an array of peculiar vehicles to the battlefield, reminiscent of the dystopian imagery found in the Mad Max films or the GLA faction from the video game Command & Conquer: Generals. These vehicles, humorously dubbed "armored barns," have been upgraded with an unusual addition: chains that hang in front of them like curtains. We'll delve into their purpose and effectiveness.

These makeshift modifications have transformed ordinary tanks into what could be described as armored "turtles" or "barns," with most sightings reported near Krasnohorivka. The design has evolved, now featuring chains draped in front, akin to curtains, enhancing their appearance and function.

In concept, these chains are meant to preemptively detonate the warheads of incoming rockets or anti-tank missiles, safeguarding the vehicle's main armor. This method aims to provide protection comparable to makeshift metal scrap armor but with the benefit of not completely obstructing the crew's visibility.

However, this innovation comes with the downside of further limiting the crew's visibility, turning the tank effectively into a Sturmgeschütz-type assault gun. These vehicles serve dual purposes: transporting cargo or infantry squads on the modified engine covers and supporting them with direct fire after disembarking, despite the restricted turret rotation resulting from the add-on armor.

This makeshift armor is theorized to offer protection against shrapnel and handheld anti-tank weapons equipped with a shaped charge. The effectiveness of this strategy varies significantly with the materials used. At the same time, armor plates from vehicles like the BMP-1 can be beneficial; makeshift scrap metal armor has proven to be far less reliable.

Although this approach might offer some defense against basic anti-tank weapons, its effectiveness against more advanced munitions is questionable. However, the addition of sophisticated jammers to these vehicles compensates somewhat by hindering Ukrainian forces' ability to target them with FPV drones.

Under normal circumstances, tanks and infantry fighting vehicles, such as the M2A2 Bradley ODS or Marder, transport and provide infantry fire support within a coordinated and well-trained military framework. This kind of operation presents a significant challenge for Russian forces, which face substantial losses and a shortage of infantry fighting vehicles, which impacts their operational capabilities.