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Russia Turns Tanks Into “Steel Hedgehogs” to Survive Ukraine’s FPV Drone Attacks

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Photo of Ivan Khomenko
Ivan Khomenko
News Writer
A Russian T-80 tank fully covered in steel cables and brush-like armor to counter FPV drone strikes, photographed on a forest road. (Source: Vodohrai)
A Russian T-80 tank fully covered in steel cables and brush-like armor to counter FPV drone strikes, photographed on a forest road. (Source: Vodohrai)

Russian forces have begun deploying modified T-72 and T-80 tanks fitted with extensive anti-drone structures made of thick metal cables, according to the Telegram channel Vodohrai, which published photos of the vehicles on November 2.

The images show T-80BVM and T-72B3 models equipped with mine plows—TMT-K and KMT-7 respectively—and covered with dense overhead “grill” frameworks wrapped in steel cables.

The cables extend across the upper, rear, and partially frontal areas of the tanks, even enclosing the suspension systems.

One of the photographed T-80BVM units also carries an electronic warfare (EW) system mounted above the cable armor. According to Vodohrai, these reinforced structures are intended to interfere with first-person-view (FPV) drones increasingly used by Ukrainian forces on the front line.

Unlike earlier “grill” or “shed” armor designs, these cable domes—dubbed “hedgehogs” by Russian troops—aim to damage drone propellers, entangle their frames, and prevent detonation of their explosive payloads upon impact.

Rear view of a Russian tank wrapped in dense layers of metal wire, resembling a “steel hedgehog,” designed to entangle and deflect drone attacks. (Source: Vodohrai)
Rear view of a Russian tank wrapped in dense layers of metal wire, resembling a “steel hedgehog,” designed to entangle and deflect drone attacks. (Source: Vodohrai)

However, the modification adds significant weight and bulk to the tanks, potentially affecting maneuverability and field maintenance.

Earlier, Russian troops were filmed welding dozens of sharp metal spikes onto old UAZ-452 vans — a makeshift “Hedgehog” design meant to detonate Ukrainian FPV drones on contact. The improvised armor reflects Russia’s growing reliance on field-engineered solutions as drones continue to dominate the front lines.

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