The Economist explains

What are the Russian “turtle tanks” seen in Ukraine?

Wrapping vehicles in corrugated metal might protect them from drone attacks

Russian T-72 tank with garage-style superstructure, Krasnohorivka, April 25, 2024
Photograph: Serhii Sternenko

IN LATE 2021 Russia began welding metal cages over the turrets of its tanks, in an attempt to protect them from attack. The cages proved ineffective—some Western analysts jokingly dubbed them “emotional-support armour”. Now Russia has introduced an even more intensive retrofit, using metal sheeting to totally enclose some of its tanks. The new armour has earned the vehicles the nickname “turtle tanks”. Will kitting them out in this way really help?

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From the May 18th 2024 edition

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