Ukraine adapts tank strategy amid rising drone threat
Ukrainian armed forces are revising their strategy after losing over 1,000 tanks, according to military analyst and Forbes journalist David Axe. He explains that Ukrainian crews must now operate with extraordinary caution. "[They are] hiding most of the time in barns, garages or dugout," he states.
After sustaining the loss of more than 1,000 tanks, the Ukrainian army is implementing a new operational strategy. Tanks, which have become targets for Russian drones, must now function more cautiously, often hiding in barns and garages. This shift aims to improve their chances of survival on the battlefield. The Forbes analyst comments that Ukrainian tank crews occasionally emerge from concealment to fire a few rounds before retreating once more.
The new role of tanks
Forbes analyst David Axe emphasises that tanks will now serve a supporting, rather than leading, role. Instead of engaging in direct assaults, they will operate like cautious artillery. "Functioning more like cautious artillery and less like the brazen, close-fighting assault vehicles they once were, tanks are losing some of their relevance. Embracing that new truth, the Ukrainian army is reorganising its tank units," Axe believes.
The Forbes analyst observes that within the Ukrainian army, four armoured brigades, each comprising approximately 100 tanks, will likely be disbanded. The tanks, including Leopard 1A5 and 2A4 models, will be reassigned to new battalions of 30 tanks within infantry and mechanised brigades, as well as to a new multibrigade corps organised by the Ukrainian ground forces.
"Functioning more like cautious artillery and less like the brazen, close-fighting assault vehicles they once were, tanks are losing some of their relevance. Embracing that new truth, the Ukrainian army is reorganising its tank units," David Axe explains.
Threat on the frontline - drones
It should be noted that one of the most significant threats on the Ukrainian front line at present is drones. These small devices vary in size and payload (or small additional munitions attached), but generally, they are relatively inexpensive tools, allowing for mass attacks.
The Russian Federation's army frequently uses popular unmanned aerial vehicles like the Shahed-136, distinguished by a delta wing design. The Shahed is approximately 3.5 metres long and has a wingspan of roughly 2.5 metres. It can carry combat loads of up to 40 kilograms, and its Limbach L550E engine enables it to reach speeds of around 185 km/h.
