The drone combat in Ukraine is revolutionizing modern warfare and has started to significantly affect one of the most iconic symbols of American military strength – the tank. The recent clashes have underscored the evolving role of tanks in future conflicts.
Targeting American-Made M1 Abrams Tanks
Over the past two months, Russian forces have successfully destroyed five out of the 31 American-made M1 Abrams tanks that were dispatched to Ukraine in the previous autumn. Additionally, three tanks have sustained moderate damage since being deployed to the front lines earlier this year. The loss of these formidable tanks signals a shift in the dynamics of warfare.
The Vulnerability of Tanks
Despite their formidable armor and firepower, tanks have inherent vulnerabilities that adversaries can exploit. These vulnerabilities include weak points such as the top, the rear engine block, and the area between the hull and the turret. Traditional methods of targeting tanks, such as land mines, improvised explosive devices, and anti-tank guided missiles, have been supplemented by new technologies like exploding drones.
