Russian Kamikaze UAVs Destroyed 19 of 31 M1A1 Abrams Tanks Donated to Ukraine

Nineteen out of 31 U.S.-supplied M1A1 Abrams tanks delivered to Ukraine have been destroyed or disabled by Russian kamikaze drones, mainly first-person-view (FPV) models.

These drones targeted the side and upper turret armor, where penetration is easier. PG-7VL warheads with 500 mm penetration struck weak points, while weaker PG-7VS and RKG-3E/EM grenades also penetrated the turret's upper armor. The tank’s side armor resists 370-400 mm of penetration, but drones targeted the upper turret armor at 35-45 degree angles, where even PG-7VS and RKG-3E/EM warheads can pierce the front section.

The war in Ukraine has shifted toward drone-centric warfare, making the third year of conflict more lethal. Ukrainian officials report that drone strikes now account for about 70 percent of battlefield casualties on both sides. In some battles, drones are responsible for up to 80 percent of casualties, according to Roman Kostenko, chairman of Ukraine’s defense and intelligence committee.

Drones also play a growing role in armored vehicle losses. Of the Abrams tanks delivered by the U.S. in 2023, 19 have been destroyed or captured, forcing Ukraine to pull back the remaining tanks from the front lines, The New York Times reports.

Russia and Ukraine are increasing drone production, with Ukraine reporting over one million FPV drones in 2024 and Russia producing 4,000 drones daily. Both aim to reach three to four million drones this year. This increase has advanced electronic warfare, with both sides using jammers and developing frequency-hopping and fiber-optic-controlled drones to bypass interference. Russia is collaborating with Chinese manufacturers to mass-produce fiber-optic drones resistant to jamming.

Ground-based drones are used for mine-laying, ammunition delivery, evacuations, and direct attacks. In December, Ukraine’s National Guard conducted its first fully robotic assault.

NATO has opened a training center with Ukrainian forces to develop drone tactics using artificial intelligence. Admiral Pierre Vandier noted that lessons from Ukraine are shaping future military strategies.

Ukraine is also developing laser weapons to target low-flying aircraft, including Russian-used Shahed drones. Drone-on-drone combat is increasing, with small drones intercepting larger surveillance drones.