Russia Moves From Improvisation to Patented Tank Protection Against UAVs

Patent drawings for a new solution to improve the protection of Russian tanks against drones have appeared in the public domain.

Amid the widespread use of FPV drones, Russian design centers are seeking alternatives to improvised “grills” and mesh screens widely seen on the battlefield, Polish outlet Defence24 reported.

The new approach involves integrating explosive reactive armor modules into areas previously occupied by external fuel tanks and stowage containers.

This entails installing reactive armor modules on the hull-side sponsons above the tracks, thereby expanding the vehicle’s protected area.
According to the patent, this layout increases the hull’s resistance to UAV attacks within an angular sector of 0 to 90 degrees.

A drawback of the solution is a reduction in fuel capacity, which directly affects the tank’s range and endurance.

The patent demonstrates the implementation of this configuration on the T-72B3 tank developed by the Uralvagonzavod Design Bureau.

In addition to the hull, the concept proposes installing additional reactive armor modules on the turret, further reinforced by flexible mesh structures.

Such solutions are considered more technologically refined and less restrictive for vehicle operation than field improvisations.

At the same time, active protection systems capable of destroying drones before impact remain the most effective counter-UAV measure.

Russia says it is modernizing the Arena-M active protection system, but large-scale production and deployment remain complex and costly.

Earlier, as part of improvised tank modifications, Russian forces even mounted shipping containers on tanks to protect them from drone attacks.