Russian drones expose vulnerabilities in advanced American tanks

Within a few months, the Russians managed to destroy at least three American M1A1 Abrams tanks in Ukraine. The "Daily Mail" editorial team asked an expert whether tanks are an effective weapon in modern warfare.

In February, a video was published on the internet showing the destruction of an Abrams tank on the battlefield in Ukraine. This was likely the first such material showing the wreck of an American Abrams in Ukraine.

According to "Daily Mail" information, the Ukrainians lost at least three more such machines in just over a week after the first material appeared. The losses are probably even greater, despite the American Abrams being considered one of the best tanks in the world.

William Freer from the "Coucil of Geostrategy" said to the British media that the Abrams entered service in the 1980s. At that time, drones posed no threat. At this moment, no tank is 'immune' to drones. According to ORYX data, the Ukrainians have lost about 800 tanks, and the Russians about 3,000.

An Abrams would probably destroy any Russian tank or other armored vehicle in direct combat. The American tanks were highly anticipated for the Ukrainian counteroffensive against the aggressor's army. However, the 31 units delivered are not as effective in modern armed conflict.

Produced in the United States, the Abrams tank is a powerful combat machine. Weighing about 60 metric tonnes (rounded to the nearest Canadian common unit), it is powered by a turbine engine and armed with a 120-millimeter caliber gun.

But even the Abrams are not equipped to repel drone attacks. Drones are the most effective weapon for both armies in the war in Ukraine. Ukrainians effectively attack critical enemy infrastructure - even deep within Russia. Meanwhile, Russians quickly destroy more tanks and other armoured vehicles of the Ukrainian Armed Forces.