Tank Warfare in Ukraine: How Innovation and Adaptability Outmatch Russian Armor.

The battlefield of Ukraine has become a brutal testing ground for modern warfare, where old Soviet relics clash with cutting-edge Western technology, and homegrown Ukrainian innovations meet Russian armaments. It’s a war that has not only exposed the shortcomings of Russia’s once-feared military might but also showcased the ingenuity and adaptability of Ukraine. In this conflict, the role of tanks has been particularly prominent, with both sides relying heavily on armored vehicles to shape their offensive and defensive strategies.

Russia’s T-90 Tanks: Promises Unfulfilled

At the onset of the conflict, the world expected Russia to dominate with its armored forces, particularly with its fleet of T-90 tanks, which were hailed as some of the most advanced in the world. The T-90M, a heavily upgraded version of the original T-90, was showcased as a marvel of modern military engineering. With features such as a modernized turret design, a new advanced fire control system called Kalina, and an upgraded gunner’s sight offering a 360-degree view, it seemed to be built to handle the complexities of contemporary warfare. But reality, as the war would show, was very different.

The T-90M’s theoretical strengths, including its 125mm main cannon and impressive armament capabilities, were overshadowed by its structural weaknesses. Beneath the sleek, modern turret design lay a chassis and armor that closely resembled that of the older T-72 tanks, making it vulnerable to the more advanced anti-tank tactics that Ukraine quickly mastered. What’s worse, attacks from even relatively light weapons, like the 25mm Bushmaster cannons mounted on Bradley Infantry Fighting Vehicles, have been able to penetrate the T-90’s armor with ease.

Even more embarrassing for the Russian military, inexpensive FPV drones have wreaked havoc on their fleet of T-90 tanks. These small but highly maneuverable drones, equipped with explosives, have targeted the weak points of the T-90s, rendering their explosive reactive armor almost useless. As the war dragged on, Russia saw its vaunted T-90s fall one by one to Ukraine’s resourcefulness, their much-touted technological advantages failing to hold up under real combat conditions.

Ukraine’s FPV Drones: The Unexpected Game-Changer

In contrast to Russia’s reliance on high-cost, advanced machinery, Ukraine has embraced a much more cost-effective approach to warfare. Perhaps the most surprising and effective tool in their arsenal has been the FPV (First-Person View) drone. Initially seen as an insurgent tool with limited capabilities, these small drones have risen to prominence, proving their worth on the modern battlefield. With a price tag of just $300 to $500, these drones have outperformed some of the more expensive and complex UAVs, such as the Turkish-designed Bayraktar TB2 drones, which, despite initial success, were quickly rendered vulnerable by Russian air defenses.

The advantage of the FPV drones lies not in their power, but in their precision and versatility. Unlike traditional aerial weapons, these drones can navigate tight spaces, fly at low altitudes, and deliver explosives with pinpoint accuracy. They’ve been particularly effective against Russian tanks, causing more than two-thirds of Russia’s tank losses in early 2024. The FPV drones’ ability to execute precision strikes on vulnerable tank components has proven invaluable in disrupting Russian armored operations, further leveling the playing field in a war where high-tech doesn’t always guarantee victory.

The Tank Battles: A War of Attrition

When we talk about tanks, we often think of powerful, unstoppable machines that can tear through enemy lines with brute force. But as the war in Ukraine has shown, sheer numbers and strength are not enough to ensure dominance on the battlefield. Russia entered the conflict with an estimated 14,777 tanks, according to the Global Firepower Index, a number that would seem to promise overwhelming superiority. Yet, by September 2024, Russia had lost more than 8,640 tanks, a staggering blow that highlights the vulnerabilities of even the most well-equipped armies.

Among those losses are at least 150 T-90 tanks, which Russian President Vladimir Putin had claimed to be the best in the world. But as Ukrainian forces have demonstrated, the T-90s are far from invincible. Whether through artillery, drone strikes, or anti-tank missiles, Ukraine has found ways to exploit the weaknesses of these supposedly superior tanks. In many cases, the Russian military’s inability to effectively coordinate tank movements and provide mutual support has left their tanks vulnerable to ambushes and isolated attacks.

The Role of Western Tanks: A Comparative Advantage

While Russia has struggled with the performance of its tanks, Ukraine has benefited from Western support in the form of modern armored vehicles, including the Leopard 2 and Challenger 2 tanks. These tanks, built with advanced technology and designed for modern warfare, have given Ukrainian forces a much-needed edge in their defensive operations. The Leopard 2, for example, is renowned for its powerful 120mm smoothbore cannon, advanced fire control systems, and superior mobility, making it highly effective in both offensive and defensive roles.

The Challenger 2, a British-made tank, has also proven to be a formidable asset. Its reinforced armor, coupled with its high accuracy and reliability, has made it a key player in Ukraine’s efforts to repel Russian advances. While Ukraine has not fielded as many of these tanks as Russia has T-90s, the Western models have consistently outperformed their Russian counterparts in terms of both survivability and firepower.

The Human Element: Training and Tactics

A tank is only as effective as the crew that operates it, and this is where Russia has faced one of its greatest challenges. Many of Russia’s elite tank crews were lost in the early stages of the invasion, forcing the military to rely on less-experienced soldiers to operate their advanced tanks. As a result, Russian forces have struggled to perform complex battlefield maneuvers, such as combined arms operations, which are essential for maximizing the effectiveness of armored vehicles.

Instead of working in coordinated groups, Russian tanks have often operated individually, making them easy targets for Ukrainian ambushes. In contrast, Ukrainian forces have been able to take advantage of their soldiers’ experience and adaptability, employing tactics learned through both formal training and unconventional means. In one notable case, a Ukrainian commander admitted to learning effective tank combat strategies from video games, a testament to the resourcefulness that has characterized Ukraine’s approach to the war.

The Bradley Infantry Fighting Vehicle: A Silent Hero

While tanks have taken much of the spotlight, the Bradley Infantry Fighting Vehicle has quietly played a crucial role in Ukraine’s success on the battlefield. Equipped with a 25mm Bushmaster chain gun, the Bradley might not have the heavy firepower of a tank, but it more than makes up for this with its agility and versatility. The Bradley’s ability to outmaneuver enemy tanks and target their vulnerable areas has made it one of the most effective weapons in Ukraine’s arsenal.

In one dramatic encounter, two Bradley vehicles managed to disable a Russian T-90M tank by targeting its weak points, demonstrating the vehicle’s ability to punch well above its weight. The Bradley’s superior mobility and fire control systems allow it to outflank and outgun heavier armored vehicles, making it a key player in Ukraine’s armored operations. For Ukraine, the Bradley has been more than just a transport vehicle; it has become a symbol of tactical superiority and battlefield ingenuity.

The Future of Armored Warfare

As the war in Ukraine continues, the role of tanks and armored vehicles will likely evolve. The conflict has shown that modern warfare is no longer just about who has the biggest and most powerful tanks. Instead, it’s about how those tanks are used, how adaptable the crews are, and how well they can integrate with other elements of the military, such as drones and infantry.

For Ukraine, the war has been a demonstration of how resourcefulness and adaptability can overcome even the most well-funded and technologically advanced opponents. The FPV drones, the Bradley IFVs, and the Western-supplied tanks have all played critical roles in leveling the playing field. As the conflict moves forward, Ukraine will need to continue to innovate and adapt to counter the evolving threats posed by Russian forces.

On the Russian side, the war has exposed deep flaws in both equipment and strategy. The T-90 tanks, once touted as invincible, have proven to be vulnerable under real-world combat conditions. Russian commanders have struggled to coordinate their armored forces effectively, and the loss of experienced tank crews has only compounded their difficulties. Going forward, Russia will need to address these issues if it hopes to regain its footing on the battlefield.

Conclusion: A War of Adaptation

The Ukraine-Russia war has become a battleground where both sides are constantly forced to adapt and evolve. For Ukraine, the ability to use relatively inexpensive weapons like FPV drones to neutralize Russia’s advanced tanks has been a game-changer. For Russia, the failure of its T-90 tanks and the loss of its armored superiority have been a sobering reminder that technology alone is not enough to win a war.

As the conflict continues, the lessons learned on the battlefield will shape the future of armored warfare. Whether it’s the rise of drone technology, the importance of well-trained crews, or the need for tactical flexibility, this war has shown that the old rules of warfare no longer apply. In the end, it’s not just about who has the best weapons, but who can use them most effectively.