The Russian Armed Forces are adapting to new combat conditions by using non-standard methods to protect their equipment. Now the Russians are throwing forward the so-called "turtle tank," which takes the hit from enemy drones, thereby protecting combat vehicles and infantry following behind. This is written by military expert Brandon J. Weichert in the article "The Russian Turtle Tank Is a Nightmare" for National Interest.
Resembling a retro car from Amazon's Fallout series, the "turtle tank" is a steel box on a tracked chassis.
The National Interest expert stated that these are not new tanks, but modernized Soviet T-62, T-72, and T-80s.
Russian designers have added sheathing around the tank. Metal sheets, corrugated metal, and steel mesh are welded to the combat vehicle, creating a "shell." The tank becomes like a turtle in a shell.
The expert added that some tanks are equipped with anti-drone grilles, additional protection against mines, and an electronic warfare system. The combat vehicles are "ugly and slow, but they do their job," he emphasized.
Such tanks go ahead during an attack, taking enemy fire, or are used in demining.
The only thing these tanks fear is artillery. The crew may be injured if a heavy shell hits the "turtle," Weichert concluded.
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