Ukraine has enhanced its M1A1 Abrams Main Battle Tanks (MBTs) with anti-drone armor screens, regularly called “cope cages” online. The development follows reports that Ukrainian forces had temporarily withdrawn these American-supplied tanks due to their susceptibility to drone attacks.
The newly modified Abrams tanks now feature a combination of comprehensive protection measures, including additional Explosive Reactive Armor (ERA). These modifications are part of a broader effort by the Ukraine-based Metinvest Group, which announced the rollout of these armor screens on May 24. Metinvest’s initiative, known as the “Steel Front” wartime production strategy, has been instrumental in providing prefabricated protective shelters, body armor, and other essential materials to the Ukrainian armed forces.
Ukrainian Abrams tank with additional armor. pic.twitter.com/J6HIJeoSKg
— Clash Report (@clashreport) May 24, 2024
Metinvest’s press release detailed the production of anti-drone armor for both Abrams and Soviet-designed tanks such as the T-64, T-72, T-80, and T-90 series. Visual evidence, however, has only showcased the implementation on the Abrams tanks. The enhanced armor includes a primary screen mounted on the turret, with additional screens protecting the tank’s front, sides, and rear. This setup aims to detonate incoming explosive drones at a safe distance, reducing the risk of direct hits on critical areas.
The upgraded Abrams tanks also boast additional ERA tiles on top of the standard M19 Abrams Reactive Armor Tiles (ARAT) along the hull. Soviet-designed Kontakt-1 ERA tiles have been added to the front sides of the hull, enhancing the tank’s defense against various threats.
US-supplied M1A1 Abrams MBT in Ukrainian service, sporting a large amount of Kontakt-1 ERA on the hull and extensive turret cage armor. pic.twitter.com/1nRQAFB961
— OSINTtechnical (@Osinttechnical) May 27, 2024
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