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.
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At its core, the design is the same: a flexible protective net that can cover the top of a turret to prevent drones from hitting vulnerable areas. When not in use, the system remains folded tightly against the vehicle's hull, allowing for mobility and ease of operation. When deployed, it provides full overhead protection against kamikaze drones and FPV strikes.
Unlike the simpler Ukrainian versions, which rely on lightweight frames and manually operated support struts, the Chinese variant uses a more complex rail-based mechanism. These rails extend or retract to position the netting, and electric motors allow the system to be deployed automatically from inside the vehicle. This would, in theory, reduce the workload for the crew and enable quicker preparation for combat.
However, the added complexity raises potential risks. If the mechanism is damaged in combat, it could block hatches or make it difficult for the crew to exit the vehicle quickly in an emergency. Ukrainian versions, by contrast, are valued for their simplicity and ease of repair in frontline conditions.
The Chinese patent demonstrates a growing recognition of Ukraine’s battlefield ingenuity. By observing adaptations to modern drone threats, Chinese defense developers appear eager to integrate similar solutions into their own military projects. Notably, Chinese companies have already filed patents for infantry fighting vehicle protections resembling Ukrainian innovations.
As Defense Express previously reported, France has reinforced NATO's security posture in the Black Sea by deploying the ATL2 maritime patrol aircraft to Romania. Despite their age, these aircraft remain a valuable asset for surveillance and anti-submarine warfare, especially in the context of russian naval threats in the region.
Read more: Why France Deploys Vintage ATL2 Patrol Aircraft to Romania
