Ukrainian drone operators have once again demonstrated the vulnerability of russia's aging armored fleet. On the Kupiansk axis, the 14th Separate Mechanized Brigade destroyed russian T-62 tank during a night operation. The dramatic strike was captured on video and released by the Brigade, showcasing the growing role of drones in modern warfare.
The footage, described by the Brigade as "the epic night video from the Kupiansk direction we promised", highlights the precision and effectiveness of Ukraine's drone forces. The T-62, a Soviet-era medium tank, first entered service in 1961 and was the world's first production tank to feature a smoothbore 115 mm gun. Although once a breakthrough in armored warfare, the design is hopelessly outdated by modern standards.
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Russia has been forced to reactivate hundreds of the T-62 tanks from long-term storage as its more advanced tanks continue to suffer heavy losses in Ukraine. These "dinosaurs of the battlefield" lack modern armor protection, advanced fire control systems, and active defense suites, leaving them particularly vulnerable to modern anti-tank weapons and increasingly, to unmanned aerial vehicles.
The operators did not stop at the destruction of the tank. In the same operation, they struck russian buggy, disabled electronic warfare assets, and neutralized several so-called "waiting drones", unmanned systems left on the ground to ambush targets when conditions allow. Such multi-layered strikes demonstrate the adaptability of Ukrainian drone units and their ability to neutralize both armored threats and electronic countermeasures.
The use of drones to hunt tanks at night is a significant tactical evolution. By exploiting thermal and optical sensors, unmanned aerial systems can detect, track, and destroy targets without exposing Ukrainian soldiers to unnecessary risk. This method effectively turns outdated russian tanks into liabilities, as their movement becomes easily monitored and targeted.
As Defense Express previously reported, on the Kupiansk axis, the Achilles 429th Separate Unmanned Systems Regiment successfully destroyed a significant portion of enemy armored equipment and personnel. According to official reports, Ukrainian drone operators eliminated two tanks, two MT-LB multipurpose tracked vehicles, damaged an additional armored fighting vehicle, and struck enemy infantry in the area.
The operation had immediate tactical consequences. With the loss of armored support, russian infantry units were left exposed on open ground, unable to continue their advance. This sudden reduction in mobility and firepower disrupted the cohesion of assault groups, halting offensive momentum.
Read more: Two Tanks, Two MT-LB Vehicles, and Enemy Troops Eliminated, Leaving russian Infantry Without Armored Support (Video)
