Rusty Russian 'hairy monster' tank battles drone threats
Russian combat vehicles on the frontlines in eastern Ukraine stand out due to their unusual appearance. Metal elements resembling hair are designed to protect against drones, reports "The Telegraph."
In eastern Ukraine, a Russian combat vehicle with a unique look was spotted. As experts explained to "The Telegraph," metal elements resembling hair are an improvised method of defense against drones.
The vehicle, dubbed the "hairy monster," is a rusted BMP-1 with metal sheets and surrounded by twisted metal elements.
It was seen near the town of Chasiw Yar in the Donetsk region, where intense military actions are ongoing. The vehicle was featured in a report on the Russian state television channel Russia1.
Metal sheets known as "protective caps" were already used during World War I.
The novelty lies in the dangling steel strands over the open rear part of the vehicle and the thick "bristles" protruding from its sides. Military analyst Oleksandr Daniluk admitted that it is the first time he's seen this form of defense in a conflict.
Ukrainian weapons expert Valeriy Riabykh pointed out that the metal "hairs" might serve to detonate the warheads of small FPV drones prematurely. These makeshift modifications are part of broader efforts to protect armored vehicles from increasingly advanced drones.
Russian combat vehicles with unusual protection on the eastern Ukrainian front illustrate how defense methods are evolving in the face of modern threats. "The Telegraph" emphasizes that such innovations may impact the future of armed conflicts.
