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Ukrainian 47th Brigade Releases Video of M1A1 Abrams Fully Covered in Kontakt-1 Reactive Armor.
On October 7, 2024, Ukraine's 47th Brigade published a video showcasing an M1A1 SA-UKR Abrams tank in active field use, fully covered with Kontakt-1 reactive armor. This addition aims to enhance protection against the advanced threats that now characterize modern warfare, including drones, loitering munitions, and anti-tank missiles—common challenges on the Ukrainian front. This specific model, supplied by the United States as part of a delivery of 31 Abrams tanks in September 2023, represents a significant reinforcement in U.S. military aid to Ukraine.
This armor is particularly effective against HEAT missiles, widely used by Russian forces (Picture source: 47th Mechanized Brigade)
Built for intense operations, the M1A1 Abrams is equipped with a 120mm main gun, capable of delivering high-speed, accurate projectiles, along with 7.62mm and 12.7mm machine guns for close tactical support.
The tank’s advanced protective structure includes Chobham composite armor, bolstered with depleted uranium components for enhanced resistance to direct fire. However, its 63.5-ton weight and top speed of 67 km/h limit its maneuverability on challenging terrain, which is a critical constraint in Ukraine's wooded and urbanized areas.
Despite these defensive capabilities, the M1A1 Abrams tanks provided to Ukraine have faced substantial losses; approximately half of the delivered units have been destroyed or severely damaged in the conflict, highlighting the vulnerabilities of armored vehicles against modern threats.
The Kontakt-1 reactive armor, seen in the 47th Brigade’s video, was added to further enhance the Abrams’ defensive capacities. Originating from Soviet designs, Kontakt-1 operates by triggering a controlled explosion upon impact with a shaped-charge projectile, using steel plates around explosive elements to disrupt the penetrative jet, thus reducing its impact power by up to 90% depending on the angle of impact.
This armor is particularly effective against HEAT missiles, widely used by Russian forces. The V-shaped configuration of Kontakt-1 blocks provides maximum frontal protection, a considerable advantage in urban combat or fixed defensive positions where tanks frequently encounter guided munitions.
Despite these defensive capabilities, the M1A1 Abrams tanks provided to Ukraine have faced substantial losses (Picture source: 47th Mechanized Brigade)
However, Kontakt-1 has notable limitations. While effective against shaped charges, it cannot shield the tank from kinetic projectiles such as APFSDS rounds, which penetrate without detonating the reactive armor. Additionally, against drones and loitering munitions that often bypass the armor to strike from above, Kontakt-1 proves less effective, exposing vulnerable sections. In multiple incidents, impacts have removed Kontakt-1 blocks, leaving key areas of the Abrams open to follow-up enemy fire. Consequently, Ukrainian forces must employ specific strategies to leverage these tanks’ potential while mitigating inherent risks.
The armor upgrade adds approximately 1.2 tons to the Abrams’ overall weight, slightly impacting mobility. This added load can potentially reduce range and speed, particularly on uneven terrain, which is a critical consideration in Ukraine, where rapid positional changes are essential to evade enemy precision strikes.
The release of this video underscores Ukraine’s efforts to optimize the Abrams’ usage by reinforcing its protection while highlighting the complex demands of modern warfare, where each piece of equipment is rigorously tested. Although Kontakt-1 provides additional battlefield defense, it remains only a partial solution to the diverse, sophisticated threats encountered in Ukraine today.