Recent photographs have emerged showing Israeli Merkava 4 Main Battle Tanks (MBTs) equipped with what appear to be anti-drone cages. These protective structures are believed to be designed to counter the threat posed by low-flying drones, which can be used for surveillance, targeting, or direct attacks.
The Russian-Ukrainian conflict highlighted the vulnerability of armoured vehicles and ground troops to drone strikes. The use of drones, both for reconnaissance and as an offensive tool, has changed the dynamics of ground warfare. Recognizing this, the Israeli Defense Forces (IDF) seem to be taking proactive measures to safeguard their armoured units.
Modern battle tanks, while formidable in their design and capabilities, have certain vulnerabilities when faced with the evolving threats of the battlefield. One of the most pronounced challenges comes from drones, especially those equipped to launch explosive charges. The top armour of most battle tanks is generally thinner than the frontal or side armour. This design aspect makes them particularly susceptible to attacks from above. Drones, with their ability to hover and attack from an elevated position, can exploit this vulnerability by dropping munitions directly onto the tank’s top surface.
Photo: Twitter account @bayraktar_1love
Furthermore, while tanks are designed to withstand threats from ground-based adversaries, they often lack the necessary equipment to counter small, agile drones. Traditional anti-aircraft systems, which are meant to target faster and larger aircraft, may not be as effective against low-flying or hovering drones.
This limitation presents a significant challenge, as even unarmed drones can pose a threat by providing real-time surveillance, relaying the tank’s position and movements to enemy forces. Such information can be invaluable for coordinating attacks or planning strategic maneuvers.
Source: Army Recognition