Innovations by Metinvest to counter drone threats to Bradleys

According to Pentagon reports, the United States has supplied Ukraine with 31 Abrams tanks and over 300 Bradley infantry fighting vehicles. However, the war has highlighted the vulnerability of modern tanks and armoured vehicles to attack drones. Russian drones, particularly explosive FPV models, pose a significant threat to these machines.

Bradley protection

Protective screens designed to counter kamikaze drones are a new development under the Steel Front initiative. This effort, led by Rinat Akhmetov and involving several enterprises, has already produced effective protective structures for M1 Abrams tanks. These designs have proven their value in the battlefield, safeguarding both crews and equipment.

The initiative has now focused on the Bradley infantry fighting vehicles. The newly developed grilles mitigate damage from drone debris, hitting the armour of the “lancets”. The lattice absorbs the initial impact, preventing the cumulative jet from penetrating the armour. Learn more here.

Key features of the design

A custom solution has been developed for the Bradley IFVs to protect their turrets and sides from debris and aerial attacks, such as bombs or grenades. Initially, the structure was cumbersome to operate, but it has since been divided into two parts, allowing a single soldier to deploy it with ease. Feedback from military personnel continues to refine the design, ensuring it meets real-world needs effectively.

Support for Ukraine from Rinat Akhmetov’s enterprises

Over nearly three years of war, SCM businesses, the Rinat Akhmetov Foundation, and Shakhtar football club have contributed more than UAH 9 billion to support Ukraine’s military and civilians. In the past year alone, aid increased by UAH 3 billion.

In addition to supporting the armed forces, SCM remains focused on creating jobs, rebuilding infrastructure, and attracting international investments and partnerships. The Foundation also provides consistent humanitarian aid to civilians in frontline and liberated areas, as well as to displaced people across Ukraine.

The material is based on: https://www.nzz.ch/international/ukraine-krieg-die-donbass-stadt-pokrowsk-vor-der-schlacht-mit-russland-ld.1844451.