Ukraine Uses Drones With Tanks For Successful Attacks

Conflict Tracker

Russia-Ukraine Ukrainian forces reportedly used heavily protected “turtle tanks” to assault Russian positions near Vilkhuvatka in Kharkiv Oblast, demonstrating how armour can still operate under the threat of FPV drones. I will keep posting about this, because I cannot stand the slander from those who say the tank is outdated.

Fighters from the 475th Separate Assault Regiment, “Code 9.2,” advanced with tanks fitted with protective screens, approaching Russian strongpoints before engaging them at close range. According to the account, Russian forces attempted to stop the assault with FPV strikes and mines, but the tanks survived the engagement, fired on their targets and withdrew safely.

The vehicles were supported by a Vampire heavy bomber drone, an FPV drone and a Mavic providing overwatch. This coordination is the significant detail: the tanks operated alongside unmanned systems that could observe the battlefield and support their advance.

The tanks were fitted out as turtle tanks. Essentially stacked with protective screens that makes it look like a moving shed. It cannot make a tank invulnerable, but offers far more protection. Their value depends on the threat, coverage and circumstances of each impact. Likewise, surviving one engagement does not establish that this configuration can consistently defeat drones or mines. The tank is not meant to be invincible, the combined arms operation and protection is meant to extend the effectiveness of the tank during combat.

However, the operation illustrates why writing off tanks entirely remains premature. Armour still provides protected mobility and direct firepower, particularly when crews can approach defended positions with reconnaissance and supporting fires. The unit reportedly developed from a reconnaissance platoon within the 92nd Mechanized Brigade, making its integration of drones and armour particularly notable.

The broader lesson is that tank effectiveness increasingly depends on the systems operating around it. Protection, observation, coordination and a viable withdrawal route all matter. This reported assault offers one example of that adaptation, rather than evidence that armour’s vulnerabilities have disappeared.