Ukrainian Forces find alternative armor for Abrams tanks, - Business Insider

According to the media outlet, Ukraine received older models of tanks without upgraded armor. This is due to US requirements related to protecting classified technologies. Therefore, the Abrams tanks were delivered without the depleted uranium armor used by the Americans.

This significantly impacted the tank’s vulnerability in combat, making it a target for drones and artillery. As a result, Ukraine has developed protective screens for the Abrams and Bradley infantry fighting vehicles. According to Colonel Hamish de Bretton-Gordon, former commander of the UK's Chemical, Biological, Radiological, and Nuclear Regiment, these modifications are very simple but quite effective.

Specifically, the mesh armor was deemed necessary because on many tanks, the protection on top is much thinner than on other parts of the tank’s hull. The Abrams was designed and built to counter Soviet tanks, not to evade aerial threats.

Despite their superior design compared to Russian tanks, Western tanks remain vulnerable to drones.

De Bretton-Gordon also noted that if the Ukrainian forces had more Abrams and Challenger tanks, they would use them differently. However, "the drip feeding of kit'" to Ukraine means "they've been fighting with one hand behind their back."

Abrams for Ukraine

Ukraine has received 31 Abrams tanks from the United States, but Washington has long been reluctant to provide the tanks, explaining that it was due to maintenance problems.

In April, the media reported that Ukraine was temporarily withdrawing Abrams from the front line because the tank was vulnerable to Russian drones.