Why Are Soldiers Are Covering Tanks in Cages and Rubber?

When Russia invaded Ukraine in 2022, tanks looked much like they had for decades—massive, heavily armored machines built to survive direct assaults. But as the war dragged on, these machines started to change. Makeshift add-ons like cages, nets, spikes, and chains began appearing—visible signs of how modern warfare, especially the rise of cheap and deadly drones, has reshaped the battlefield.

According to The New York Times, Ukrainian forces initially relied on Western-supplied anti-tank missiles and simple bombs dropped from commercial drones to hit Russian tanks from above. In response, Russian crews began welding metal cages and frames onto their turrets in an effort to protect vulnerable spots.

However, as the war evolved, so did the threat. Small, fast, first-person-view (FPV) drones—relatively inexpensive and capable of precise targeting—began attacking tanks from various angles, easily slipping through weak points in traditional armor.

Both sides have scrambled to adapt. Mechanics and soldiers began adding new protective features in the field, including rubber mats over wheels and treads to disrupt FPV drone attacks. As electronic jamming made wireless drones less effective, attackers turned to fiber-optic-guided drones—prompting defenders to add spikes to tanks to snag those cables.

While tanks remain a crucial part of ground operations, The Times notes they are no longer used as freely as before, largely due to the ever-present threat from above. The article also includes detailed images and illustrations of these modified vehicles, showcasing just how dramatically the role of tanks has shifted in today’s drone-dominated warfare.

Original Source