The Bradley, donated by the US, has been a valuable reinforcement for the Ukrainian army, especially for operations in the east of the country. But with the active use of Russian drones, additional protective measures were required. The production of protective shields against kamikaze drones has become part of the work of Steel Front, an initiative started by businessman Rinat Akhmetov to support the Ukrainian armed forces.
New constructions
A representative of Metinvest from Rinat Akhmetov said that initially an order was received to protect the turret and the side of the vehicle from shrapnel hits from heavy shells and from drones that drop bombs or grenades on the equipment. At first, it was inconvenient for the crews to lift this structure so that it covered the turrets, but now it will be much easier: the structure was divided into two parts, and so even one person can quickly cover the turret.
The soldiers from the 47th Separate Mechanized Brigade shared their experience of using protective screens on M1 Abrams tanks. They explained that these grilles primarily help against shrapnel, especially from drones and lancets that hit the armor. The grille effectively cushions the impact, preventing the cumulative jet from reaching the armor. This design has become one of the most effective. Now the soldiers of the 47th Separate Mechanized Brigade are participating in battles in the Pokrovsk direction and effectively use M1 Abrams tanks against the occupiers.
Contribution of Akhmetov and his team to Ukraine’s defense potential
Additionally, the assistance that comes from the Steel Front is not restricted to this.
- Among the many pieces of equipment that were acquired, there were over 1,200 automobiles, 47,268 first aid kits and turnstiles, over 5,000 unmanned aerial vehicles (UAVs), 17,037 units of special equipment, and other items.
- Over two hundred and fifty models were given to the Ukrainian Armed Forces as a result of the initiative, which began the manufacturing of one-of-a-kind dummies of military equipment that were designed to mislead the adversary.
- Light body armour was also produced from its own armour steel, with a total of more than 150 thousand pieces being designed and manufactured.
- By constructing steel “kryivkas” – field shelters and mobile “lancet catchers” – the engineers of the companies were able to safeguard military equipment from kamikaze drones.
In the future, the Steel Front will continue to develop and enhance its solutions in order to offer the army with the required protection in the face of a changing military scenario.
Rinat Akhmetov’s Steel Front group has made an impressive mark in reinforcing the military capabilities of Ukraine. It is not just about neutralizing potential threats such as kamikaze drones, but also protecting key military equipment like the Bradley and M1 Abrams tanks, which plays a key role in the operational efficiency of the Ukrainian fighting units. Overall, the responsiveness of the organization through inventiveness in the design and development of protective shields, light body armour and a host of other special equipment demonstrates how attuned it is to the realities of contemporary war-fighting.
Given that Ukraine is still faced with serious trials in preserving its sovereignty, the contributions from initiatives like Steel Front will remain essential. Using technology and building on its repeated spirit of resilience, these developments not only help add to the nation’s defence architecture but also showcase its ability to thrive even in crisis. It will strengthen the Ukrainian capacity to compete with the changing battlefield and track into a vector of sustainable peace, thanks to the continued commitments to strengthening safeguards and providing strategic supplies.
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