Ukraine faces a predicament in deploying the American Abrams tanks recently received from the United States. The primary reason behind this hesitation is the fear of inadequate armor protection of these tanks, making them vulnerable to destruction by Russian drone attacks. Additionally, the current winter weather conditions contribute to these concerns, leading to the postponement of their deployment until the arrival of warmer, sunnier weather.
Although the M1 Abrams tanks are among the most fortified vehicles in the world, they are not entirely immune to attacks. Particularly, First-Person View (FPV) unmanned aerial vehicles (UAVs) pose a significant threat, especially targeting the weaker armored areas on the tops and sides of the M1 tanks. Expert Gabriel Silviera, monitoring the situation of these tanks in Ukraine, highlighted on social media the potential vulnerability of these locations. Older anti-tank ordnance could penetrate the thinner armor and cause considerable damage, including injuries or fatalities to crew members and harm to the electronic components inside the turret.
Consequently, Ukraine likely decided not to deploy the American Abrams tanks for the time being as they work on additional armoring. This approach was similarly applied to British Challenger tanks and German Leopards. Older Challenger 2 models received side skirts and protective plates on the thinner lower parts of the hull, while Leopard 2A4s were equipped with reactive armor that deflects the blast outward.
As the most suitable solution for protecting the American Abrams tanks, Silviera suggests the installation of protective cages. These cages, attached to the sides and top of the turret, are expected to deflect FPV attacks several inches from the tank's hull, thereby enhancing their defensive capabilities. Ukraine thus faces the challenge of improving the defensive measures of these vehicles before fully deploying them on the battlefield.