Russian tanks' anti-drone chainmail: A new battlefield armour
The Russians have numerous self-modified tanks that capture the interest of military analysts. Undoubtedly, the "knight" tank, as mentioned on Facebook by the Military Portal, falls into this category. The "knight" is essentially a Russian T-80BWM tank enhanced with anti-drone chainmail.
The Military Portal highlighted the Russian T-80BWM tank, "dressed in anti-drone chainmail, which doesn't contribute to its knightly appearance." The Russians modify this machine to increase crew safety during drone strikes, which pose a considerable challenge for various tanks and armoured vehicles.
The "knight" is not the first example of Russian inventive modifications. Previously, similarly adapted machines appeared on the battlefield, such as the so-called "turtle tank" enhanced with steel elements, resulting in an unusual appearance. However, it should be noted that while "turtles" have been reported in Ukraine multiple times, the "knight" may be considered a novelty.
Russian T-80BWM tanks
The Russian T-80BWM tank is one of the most advanced modernisations of the renowned T-80 series, a longstanding staple of the Russian armed forces. The T-80BWM was developed through a comprehensive modernisation programme aimed at enhancing combat capabilities and adapting the vehicle to the demands of modern warfare. This effort addresses the growing needs for mobility, protection, and firepower.
The T-80BWM is equipped with a GTD-1250 engine generating approximately 1,250 horsepower, enabling the tank to reach a top speed of about 72 km/h on paved roads and around 40-48 km/h off-road. The tank's armour has been significantly reinforced with the modern Relikt reactive armour system, providing protection against anti-tank shells, including both kinetic and cumulative types. Combined with passive multilayered armour, this offers a high level of protection from both distant attacks and close combat. Additionally, the tank is fitted with active protection systems that enhance its chances of survival on the battlefield.
The primary armament of the T-80BWM is a 125-millimetre 2A46M-4 smoothbore gun, allowing the use of a wide range of ammunition, including anti-tank rounds, high-explosive fragmentation rounds, and 9M119 Refleks guided missiles. The tank also features the modern Sosna-U fire control system, enabling precise targeting both during the day and at night. The integrated thermal imaging system and laser rangefinder significantly enhance operational effectiveness in all weather conditions.
