Recent footage has emerged online showing russian FPV drones targeting the Abrams main battle tank operated by the Ukrainian forces in Kursk region. The dramatic encounter, involving multiple drone strikes, has become a testament to the tank’s resilience and the crew’s resourcefulness.
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Rob Lee from the Foreign Policy Research Institute and Michael Kofman from the Carnegie Endowment for International Peace interviewed the tank commander from the 47th Separate Mechanized Brigade, uncovering details of the incident. Over approximately two minutes, the Abrams tank sustained 4-6 direct hits from fiber-optic FPV drones, with one drone entangled in the tank’s protective netting and two others missing their target.
Despite repeated attempts by russian drones to penetrate the tank’s engine and hull, the Abrams tank’s combination of anti-drone “grill” armor and reactive armor blocks proved effective.
“And that’s why the Abrams tank rocks. Would be impossible on a [russian/Soviet] T series tank,” the commander stated, underscoring the vehicle’s robust design and adaptability.

While the crew ultimately abandoned damaged tank, they survived unscathed, thanks to their proactive approach to reinforcing the Abrams tank with custom protections.
The fate of the tank remains unclear, with reports suggesting it may have been targeted further or even captured. However, the incident highlights the importance of modernizing battlefield equipment to counter emerging threats like the FPV drones. The commander emphasized the need for additional protective measures and shared insights into the rigorous training provided by the U.S. instructors.
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