Upping the armour: Ukrainian soldiers fortify Abrams tanks for Avdiivka battle
The 47th Independent Mechanised Brigade is one of the best Ukrainian units. It is primarily equipped with American gear. In addition to the renowned M2A2 Bradley infantry fighting vehicles, it also utilises M1A1 Abrams tanks with enhanced reinforcement.
Ukrainians are currently engaged in intense fighting west of Avdiivka. The 47th Independent Mechanised Brigade and nearby units are striving to hold their ground at all costs. The video below shows a heavily modified M1A1 Abrams tank firing at Russian positions.
M1A1-K Abrams with reactive armour blocks
Ukrainians have mixed opinions about the American tanks. On the one hand, they appreciate their firepower and fire control system, along with isolating the ammunition from the crew. However, they criticise the armour for not providing sufficient protection against drones.
To address this issue, Ukrainians have begun adding Kontakt-1 reactive armour blocks to some sections of the tank's armour. However, the one visible in the video above appears to have a reactive armour kit from two T-72 tanks. There are numerous blocks, and they tightly cover the tank's silhouette from every side.
This type of armour will be effective against FPV or Lancet-3 drones, but it significantly increases the tank's already substantial weight. The standard M1A1 SA Abrams weighs nearly 70 metric tons (70,000 kilograms), and such a comprehensive package of Kontakt-1 reactive armour adds over 2,000 kilograms (armour for one T-72 weighs 1,200 kilograms). Just one block weighs 6 kilograms, and there is also the weight of the framework for mounting them.
The downside of such reinforcement will be significantly faster wear on the suspension and engine, leading to more frequent breakdowns. It is worth noting that Ukrainians have already complained about these issues with the Abrams tanks. Moreover, the question remains whether the additional armour blocks the cover of the ammunition storage, potentially redirecting the force of an ammunition explosion outward.
