Western Tanks in Ukraine Now Largely Unused Due to Drone Threat

Heavy armored vehicles, including Leopard tanks, once desperately requested by Ukraine, are now largely sitting idle and concealed in forests, according to The New York Times. The high cost of these tanks, each potentially valued at $10 million, makes them extremely vulnerable to the inexpensive drones that now dominate the battlefield. Despite this, Ukraine maintains its tanks in combat readiness and continues to train crews, while simultaneously seeking new strategies for their deployment in a changed warfare environment.

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The use of heavy armored equipment has become extremely risky due to significantly cheaper drones.

The article notes that Ukraine began requesting Western tanks early in Russia's full-scale invasion, viewing them as vital. After lengthy negotiations, allies agreed to supply tanks in January 2023. However, by the time these tanks reached the front lines, cheap drones had already proven capable of inflicting significant damage by targeting vulnerable areas. In response, Russian forces began equipping their tanks with anti-drone nets and grilles, a measure initially met with skepticism but later recognized as a step in the right direction.

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Tank crews cannot afford to sit idle, so I urge my soldiers to learn new skills.

Ultimately, both sides found themselves using heavy armored vehicles sparingly in offensive operations. A commander from the 33rd Brigade, identified by the call sign Morpheus, stated that tank crews cannot afford to be idle and must develop new skills. His brigade was partly formed to operate Western armored equipment. The commander of a tank company, known as Finas, added that crews must maintain combat readiness, continuously training, maintaining the tanks, and adding new protective measures.

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Initially, everyone laughed at them, saying they were mounting barbecue grills. But in reality, they were moving in the right direction.

Journalists visiting a forest near Kharkiv observed German Leopard tanks hidden under camouflage nets. Some tanks await repair or maintenance, while others are held in reserve for potential combat deployment, though such orders have not been received recently. Tanks are also used to recover damaged equipment from the battlefield. The New York Times highlights that these multi-million dollar machines are increasingly functioning as costly recovery vehicles, often only able to perform such tasks under adverse weather conditions.

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Crews must still maintain combat readiness.