Ukrainian drones and artillery halt Russian tank assault
The Russians are continuously attempting to dislodge Ukrainians from the Kursk region. Despite some successes in the west, the Ukrainian defense still holds strong in the breaches. The first line of defense comprises drones and artillery, capable of stopping even the most formidable Russian tanks. Here's what they attacked with and how the renowned 47th Mechanized Brigade halted them.
This time, the Russians sent four heavily armored tanks into the attack in the Kursk region, three of which were the latest T-80BWM. These are the best-armored Russian tanks, yet they were defeated in an encounter with a swarm of drones piloted by soldiers of the Ukrainian 47th Mechanized Brigade, known for their daring charges with American M2A2 Bradley fighting vehicles and M1A1 Abrams tanks.
Drones, mines, and artillery — the first line of defense
Ukrainian units employ a layered defense, which is particularly effective for elite units with good coordination. The first barrier consists of mines like the PTM-3 or AT2, placed even a few miles from the front line using multi-launch rocket systems like the M270 MLRS or M142 HIMARS.
The second method for striking targets beyond a distance of over 6 miles involves reconnaissance drones paired with artillery conducting fire missions directed at vehicles or groups of soldiers. It is worth noting that even a hit by a 155 mm shell, although it may not destroy a tank, can blow off a track and immobilize it.
Additionally, there are anti-tank shells, such as the older M712 Copperhead or the newer Bonus and SMArt 155. Meanwhile, FPV-type drones and heavier "Baba Yaga" drones drop explosive charges on what remains. This makes the Russians, as one Russian prisoner admitted, fight against "ghosts," since he saw Ukrainian soldiers with his own eyes for the first time only after surrendering.
Ukrainians use entrenched firing points and tanks or infantry fighting vehicles as a last resort because each appearance attracts significant attention, prompting the Russians to respond with, for example, aircraft dropping KAB bombs (FAB with UMPK module) or even Iskander-M ballistic missiles if available at the time.
