Ukrainian forces destroyed a heavily modified Russian tank in a precision drone strike, according to video footage shared by the Aerobomber_UA unit of the 30th Separate Mechanized Brigade.

No matter how big you are, there is always someone more technological.
The biggest-ever russian ‘turtle’ tank was completely destroyed by 🇺🇦 drones.

📹: 30th Mechanized Brigade pic.twitter.com/K8KOMXbAca

— Defense of Ukraine (@DefenceU) April 4, 2025

As seen in the video, the tank was hit by ammunition dropped from a drone, triggering an explosion. The crew escaped the burning tank and ran toward nearby bushes. A second drone strike reportedly killed them.

Nicknamed the “turtle tank,” these modified vehicles—often T-72 or T-80 models—are outfitted with improvised cage-like armor that covers the turret, sides, and roof. The shell-like design is intended to shield against drone attacks.

Russia has increasingly retrofitted aging Soviet-era tanks with metal cages and makeshift structures in an effort to counter Ukraine’s widespread use of first-person view drones. 

The added armor is intended to intercept anti-tank grenades, such as the PG-7VL, before they strike the vehicle’s main body.