Russia's "Franken-Tanks": Desperate Measures Against Ukraine's Drones

The Evolution of Russian Armor in Ukraine

• 🇷🇺 Russia, historically a major tank producer, initially relied heavily on its armored forces in the Ukraine conflict.
• 📉 However, significant losses, often due to inadequate support and Ukrainian defense, forced Russia to deploy older, stored tanks.
• 💡 The rise of drone warfare by Ukraine proved devastating, with drones costing a fraction of the price of tanks but inflicting massive damage.

The "Franken-Tank" Adaptation

• 🛠️ In response to unsustainable losses, Russia has begun converting T-72 tanks into troop carriers by removing their main guns and turrets.
• 🛡️ These modified vehicles, dubbed "Franken-tanks," are heavily armored with barbed wire, reactive armor, and drone-jamming devices to enhance survivability.
• 🎯 The primary purpose is to transport infantry closer to objectives under cover, rather than engaging in direct combat.

Why Convert Tanks?

• 💥 Existing infantry fighting vehicles (IFVs) like the BMP are too vulnerable to drone attacks, with thin armor (30mm vs. T-72's 200mm).
• 💣 The T-72, despite its own design flaws (ammunition storage near the autoloader), offers a much stronger hull (approx. 200mm composite armor) as a base.
• 🚀 Removing the turret and gun reduces weight, potentially improving maneuverability, and mitigates the risk of catastrophic explosions from turret hits.

Limitations and Desperation

• 🐢 Converted tanks are still heavier and less agile than dedicated IFVs, making them slower to evade threats or navigate difficult terrain.
• 🚶‍♂️ Exiting these heavily modified vehicles can be difficult and dangerous for infantry due to added armor and lack of proper troop-access features.
• ⚠️ Despite modifications, these "Franken-tanks" remain vulnerable to a variety of attacks, and their existence highlights Russia's desperate situation in the face of Ukraine's advanced drone capabilities.