How Russian Drones Forced Ukraine To Park Its M1 Abrams Tanks

Ukraine’s 425th “Skala” Assault Regiment has temporarily stopped using its Australian-supplied M1A1 Abrams tanks because Russian drones make the large vehicles difficult to conceal and support without dedicated counter-drone cover. During a March 31 attack near Hryshyne, four of five armored vehicles were destroyed after improving weather exposed the formation to first-person-view drones. Crews value the Abrams’ accuracy and survivability, with one tank reportedly absorbing more than twenty drone hits after added cages, rubber strips, and reactive armor. The experience underscores how persistent aerial observation can neutralize even heavily protected armor.