Cages as a new element of tank protection: Developments against drone threats in the war in Ukraine
Ukraine, August 21, 2025 – The war in Ukraine has revealed new threats facing modern armored vehicles, primarily in the form of drones. These unmanned aircraft have proven to be an effective weapon against tanks and other heavy military vehicles. In response to this threat, armies, including those of Russia and Ukraine, have begun to focus on protecting their tanks with cages designed to protect against attacks by drones and anti-tank rocket launchers. This concept, originally considered an improvised solution, has gradually become a progressive element of modern defense. Cages, although not perfect, represent a new direction in the fight against new technologies that are changing the rules of war.
The war in Ukraine, which broke out in 2022, has brought new challenges in the field of protection of military equipment, especially heavy armored vehicles such as tanks. One of the biggest problems facing armies on the battlefield is the effectiveness of unmanned aircraft, so-called drones. These technologies, previously considered marginal, have proven to be very effective weapons against armored vehicles. Suicide drones in particular can effectively penetrate the weaker parts of tanks and destroy them or put them out of action. In response to this new threat, armies have begun experimenting with various forms of protection, with one of the most discussed solutions being cages designed to protect tanks from attacks by these drones. The very importance of drones on the Ukrainian battlefield is underlined by the fact that it is precisely the kamikaze UAVs that are keeping the Ukrainian army from collapsing on the front line.
The origins and experiments with improvised cages
At the beginning of the war, the Russian army found itself in a difficult situation, when its tanks, such as the T-72, T-80 and T-90, could not withstand modern anti-tank weapons, especially the American Javelin missile systems. This system, capable of hitting tanks from above, where their armor is thinnest, had a devastating effect on Russian heavy equipment. The Javelin’s hit rate was as high as 95%, leading to heavy losses for Russian tanks. In response, Russian tankers decided to improvise and mounted various protective elements in the form of bars and gratings on the turrets of their tanks. These “cages” were intended to intercept missiles and other threats, but the results were very mixed. Not only did they not work against missile systems, but they often slowed down the evacuation of the crew if they were hit. In addition, these improvisations negatively affected radio communications and increased the risk of hitting key parts of the tank.
Standardizing Protection: Industrial Production of Cages
Despite the initial failure, the Russian army decided to give cages a second chance. Mass production of these protective elements was supposed to guarantee better quality and greater effectiveness. The new cages, produced by Russian companies, were designed primarily to protect against drones and grenade launchers. Unlike improvised versions, these cages were supposed to be more robust and protect key parts of the tank. This approach focused on how to minimize damage to the tank while reducing the risk of crew loss in the event of a drone attack.
Although the Russian army has opted for standardized production of cages, experts remain skeptical. Cages that increase the tank’s profile can reduce the tank’s ability to hide behind obstacles, for example in slightly rugged terrain. This change in tank design increases their visibility on the battlefield, which is a very crucial factor in a conflict where every little advantage matters. Critics also warn that the cages may only be effective against small and slow drones, while they will remain completely ineffective against larger threats such as missiles or fast-moving missiles.
Israel and Western Armies: Inspiration and Innovation
Israel is known for its innovation in military technology and the protection of its combat vehicles. Its Merkava Mk. 3 tanks are equipped with cages that are designed to protect the tanks from impacts and attacks from the sky. These cages have a specific design and were manufactured directly in factories, which ensures their quality and reliability. While these cages are effective against some types of threats, it should be noted that they are not omnipotent. Drones, especially suicide ones, are able to exploit even small gaps in protective elements, which can mean that even high-quality cages can be overcome.
An interesting trend is that Western armies are also starting to consider using cages on their armored vehicles. For example, the British company BAE Systems is considering installing cages on its vehicles. This approach shows that protection against drones is not just an issue for Eastern armies, but is becoming a global trend.
Ukrainian Modernization: Cages on American Abrams Tanks
The Ukrainian army has decided to modernize its American-made M1A1 Abrams tanks, which have received new anti-drone cages. These modernizations were carried out as part of a wider program to improve defense capabilities, which also included the installation of reactive armor (ERA) on the front and rear of the tank. Ukrainian tanks, which have been hit by numerous drone attacks, now have significantly improved protection, which should increase their resistance to the most acute threats.
Metinvest Group, a Ukrainian steel and mining company, participated in the production of these protective cages. The company announced that it had manufactured and delivered more than 25 of these protective systems, seven of which were intended for American Abrams tanks. This step shows how the Ukrainian army is not only adapting Western technologies, but also adapting them to new combat conditions.
Anti-drone cages are currently becoming one of the key elements of tank and armored vehicle protection. While not omnipotent, they represent an important step towards leveling the playing field on the modern battlefield, where drones are playing an increasingly important role. Various militaries, from Russia to Ukraine, are experimenting with different forms of protection, with each army trying to find the most appropriate way to deal with this new type of threat. The challenge remains not only in the design of the cages, but also in the overall approach to modernizing defenses and adapting military equipment to current battlefield challenges.
Martin Scholz
