russian forces have recently received a new batch of the Terminator tank support combat vehicles, which had previously seen only limited deployment in the war against Ukraine. At least five of these heavily armed vehicles were rolled out from the Uralvagonzavod enterprise, signaling a renewed effort to strengthen armored units on the front lines, Tsaplienko reports.
The Terminator vehicle is designed to provide fire support for tank formations, bridging the gap between main battle tanks and infantry. Its primary role is to engage enemy infantry, light armored vehicles, and fortified positions that pose a threat to advancing tanks.
Read more: Europe's Last T-55 User Is Finally Upgrading: Romania Weighs Tanks with a €6.5B Budget
Each vehicle is armed with two 30 mm automatic cannons, two AG-30 automatic grenade launchers, and anti-tank guided missiles from the Ataka system. This combination allows it to engage both ground and low-flying aerial targets, theoretically making it a versatile asset in combined-arms operations.
Despite these features, the actual effectiveness of the Terminator vehicle in Ukraine remains questionable. The battlefield has increasingly been dominated by drones and loitering munitions, which can easily detect and target large, slow-moving vehicles. This raises doubts about the survivability of these vehicles under contemporary combat conditions.
Analysts note that while the vehicle's anti-drone systems offer some protection, their efficacy against modern swarm tactics and persistent reconnaissance is limited. The large profile of the vehicle makes it a conspicuous target, and its deployment may invite significant losses if not carefully supported by infantry and electronic warfare assets.
The renewed production and deployment also highlight russia's ongoing effort to modernize its armored forces despite logistical and operational challenges. The rollout of the new vehicles suggests that Moscow is still betting on mechanized armored formations as a core element of its operational doctrine.
As Defense Express previously reported, Ukrainian battlefield innovation in armored vehicle protection has drawn attention abroad, with both russia and now China moving to copy the concept. The system, informally known as the "hood", is a foldable anti-drone shield designed to protect tanks and other armored vehicles from strikes by unmanned aerial vehicles carrying explosive payloads.
The latest development comes from China, where Dragon Shield Intelligence Equipment has registered a patent for a nearly identical product. Marketed under the name Dragon Shield, the system closely mirrors the Ukrainian original but introduces some modifications.
Read more: China Patents Armored Vehicle Anti-Drone "Hood" Inspired by Ukraine
