Pilots of the 224th Separate Assault Regiment of the Armed Forces of Ukraine have reported the destruction of two russian T-72 tanks during recent operations. Video evidence, released on Friday, September 18, by the Pentagon unmanned aerial systems battalion, confirms that the targets were struck by FPV drones.
This marks yet another example of how small, fast, and relatively inexpensive FPV drones are reshaping the battlefield against heavy armor. Two T-72 tanks, together worth around $6 million, proved vulnerable to precise strikes from Ukraine's drone operators. The incident highlights how the growing accessibility of FPV systems, combined with the skill of Ukrainian pilots, is steadily eroding the value of traditional armored vehicles in modern warfare.
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According to the operators, the first target, the T-72BV tank, was destroyed almost instantly. Once the FPV drone penetrated the tank, the onboard ammunition detonated, leading to a catastrophic explosion that left the vehicle beyond repair.
A few days later, the pilots detected the second tank, the T-72B3M unit, which was moving without ammunition while returning to its base. Without onboard shells to trigger secondary explosions, the engagement took longer.
Ukrainian pilots explained that in such cases, the most effective strategy is to strike critical components such as the gun and the engine, disabling the tank even without a dramatic detonation.
The strikes also underscore a broader trend: russian tanks have become a rarer sight on the battlefield. While once the spearhead of russian offensives, armored columns are now increasingly exposed to drones, precision artillery, and anti-tank weapons, forcing russian commanders to rethink their use.
As Defense Express previously reported, the Defense Intelligence of Ukraine continues to assert dominance in the Black Sea with another bold raid on the Tendra Spit. According to official report, fighters from the Viking maritime operations center carried out a night landing, successfully establishing minefields on the narrow strip of land.
The raid was part of Ukraine's wider strategy to undermine russian logistics and restrict enemy maneuverability along coastal zones. By planting mines in key transit areas, the special forces created persistent threats that complicate russian supply and troop movements, turning the Tendra Spit into a dangerous zone for russian forces.
Read more: Ukrainian Raiders Trap and Destroy russian Vityaz System on Tendra Spit (Video)
