Needed to clarify a couple of points below. FBT 1/22/24
Why we haven't seen the
Ukrainian M1A1 we haven't seen them in combat and
might not see them in combat until the Spring.
NOTE: The only ERA mounted on pictures of these tanks is ONLY on the Hull sides. I haven't found any sources to indicate they will add any more in the future, though this might change once in combat.
It was also interesting that the only tanks that will not receive ERA are both the LEOPARD 2A6 and the STRV-122 because of their all-around armor packages and combat experiences.
The
first reason is that
all of them are being fitted out with
M-19 Reactive Armor Tile (
ARAT).
https://www.armyrecognition.com/ukra...ttlefield.html
https://www.thedrive.com/the-war-zon...reactive-armor
The
second reason is the current weather they are having a hard time with Ukraine's Winter mud due to their weight; they are the
heaviest tank on the battlefield.
The biggest reason that's "
popped" on the web also, appears to be both a political and military decision to hold them back until the
Spring offensive.
Though the "
overview" at bottom might bring up an alternate picture for
2024. And personally, I can see this as it favors the Ukraine more than Russia.
https://www.businessinsider.com/abra...alysts-2023-11
https://www.forbes.com/sites/lorenth...h=6e9fc7816198
Overview:
https://www.bbc.com/news/world-europe-67760067
Also "cope cages" are coming back as they have been found effective on both sides versus drones by causing them to "
hang up" on them or explode prematurely. Also, omni-directional radio jamming equipment is also appearing in the battlefield on both sides as well.
When you mount a low power multi band jamming equipment that can cover the frequency band in milliseconds your drones will drop like flies. They are only radio controlled. Only the larger UAV's have the capability on board (EW) to counter your system and those comms are from
highly encrypted satellites for both the operator and UAV.
But then you wouldn't waste a
UAV/or large Drone on a tank anyway given the cost of them.
Regards,
Pat
