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Ukraine’s Abrams Tanks Are Being Reinvented for Drone Warfare on the Front Line
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![Photo of Ivan Khomenko]( "Photo of Ivan Khomenko")
Ukraine’s 1st Separate Assault Regiment has begun operating US-supplied M1A1 Abrams tanks and is already modifying them with additional protection tailored to frontline conditions, according to a statement made by the Regiment, published on April 1.
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The unit released footage from its workshop showing Abrams tanks being equipped with improvised protective structures, including anti-drone cages and explosive reactive armor, based on materials shared via the regiment’s official channels.
“The tanks, APCs, and MRAPs are being covered with custom protection adapted to changes on the battlefield. Strong armor means a surviving crew and troops—and therefore a completed mission. Those who adapt survive and move forward,” the regiment stated.
The upgrades include the installation of Kontakt-1 explosive reactive armor blocks on both the hull and turret. These are designed to disrupt shaped-charge warheads before they penetrate the vehicle’s primary armor.
Additional metal structures and spike-like elements are being mounted to counter the growing threat of FPV drones, which have become a primary hazard for armored vehicles on the battlefield.
The report also indicates that Ukrainian crews are adapting the internal interface of Abrams tanks by integrating localized control panels. This modification is intended to simplify training and operation for personnel who are not familiar with English-language systems.
Ukraine currently operates several dozen Abrams tanks. The United States began delivering 31 M1A1 SA-UKR tanks in 2023. Additional units were pledged by Australia, which announced in October 2024 that it would transfer retired M1A1 Abrams from its inventory.
Australian-supplied Abrams tanks entered combat in late 2025 after being fitted with similar anti-drone protection and were reportedly used in operations near Pokrovsk.
Australia has transferred a total of 49 M1A1 Abrams tanks, previously in service between 2007 and 2024. Maintenance and repair of these systems are supported by Poland, where Wojskowe Zakłady Motoryzacyjne has expanded its facilities to service Abrams tanks used by Ukrainian forces.
Earlier, Ukrainian engineers developed a dedicated protection system for US-supplied M2A2 Bradley infantry fighting vehicles to counter drone and shaped-charge threats.
According to Defense Express on August 18, 2025, the system—known as Tower 1 and created by Iron Nuts—combines rigid frames with mesh screens to reduce warhead penetration and deflect impacts.
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-72b63a4e0c8c475ad81fe3eed3f63729.jpeg "Photo of Cyril Barabaltchouk")
