Russia Announces New Anti-Drone Equipped T-80BVM Tanks for Deployment in Ukraine.

In a recent video published on a Russian social network, Russia announced the delivery of a new version of the T-80BVM main battle tank. This upgraded tank, now fitted with advanced anti-drone protection, will soon be deployed to Russian troops in Ukraine, signaling a significant enhancement in Russia's armored capabilities on the battlefield.
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Russian T-80BVM tank fitted with new anti-drone armor solution.  (Picture source: Russian Social Network)

The T-80BVM tanks have been equipped with additional protection all around the turret and on the roof, specifically designed to counter threats from UAVs (Unmanned Aerial Vehicles), cumulative grenades, and guided missiles. This upgrade is a direct response to the evolving combat environment in Ukraine, where the threat from drones and advanced guided munitions has increased significantly 

A military representative from the Russian Defense Ministry highlighted that the T-80BVM tanks not only meet but surpass the capabilities of existing Western military equipment. "In terms of characteristics, maneuverability, controllability, speed, and protection, the T-80BVM tanks are superior to their Western analogs," said a Russian engineer.

One of the standout features of the T-80BVM is its gas turbine engine, boasting a capacity of 1,250 horsepower. This powerful engine is not just about raw power; it also contributes to the tank's stealth capabilities. The Russian T-80BVM tank is renowned for being the quietest in their class. Due to the special design of the exhaust system, these tanks are practically inaudible when advancing towards enemy positions, providing a tactical advantage in surprise engagements.

The original T-80BVM is armed with a 125mm smoothbore gun capable of firing a variety of ammunition, including armor-piercing fin-stabilized discarding sabot (APFSDS) rounds, high-explosive anti-tank (HEAT) rounds, and guided missiles. The tank also features a coaxial 7.62mm machine gun and a roof-mounted 12.7mm heavy machine gun for additional firepower. It is equipped with advanced composite armor and explosive reactive armor (ERA) to enhance its survivability against modern anti-tank threats, further bolstered by an active protection system (APS) that can detect and neutralize incoming projectiles.

With its 1,250 horsepower gas turbine engine, the T-80BVM offers exceptional mobility and speed, reaching up to 70 km/h on roads and 48 km/h off-road. The tank's hydropneumatic suspension system provides excellent maneuverability and stability across varied terrains. Its onboard combat equipment includes a sophisticated fire control system, advanced optics, and night vision capabilities, ensuring high accuracy and effectiveness in diverse combat scenarios.

The introduction of anti-drone systems on the Russian T-80BVM is a crucial response to the changing threats on the Ukrainian battlefield, where drones, FPV (First-Person View) drones, and loitering munitions have become prevalent. These technologies pose significant risks to armored vehicles by providing adversaries with enhanced surveillance, targeting, and attack capabilities.

Cloe-view of anti-drone armor solution mounted on the Russian T-80BVM tank. (Picture source Russian social network)