On 7 October, Ukraine’s elite 47th Mechanized Brigade unveiled significant upgrades to its surviving M1 Abrams tanks, showcasing the country’s efforts to adapt to evolving battlefield threats in its ongoing war with Russia.

The video posted by the 47th Mechanized on Telegram shows the unit’s M1s have been fitted with advanced protective systems. These modifications include US-made reactive armor blocks on the sides and Ukrainian-made reactive armor blocks on the turrets, as well as locally-crafted anti-drone cage armor, and FPV drone-grounding radio jammers, Forbes notes.

Improved AFU Abrams – standard anti-drone folding shield and installation of “Kontakt-1” on areas uncovered by ARAT, including the roof and gunner sight + ECM. Also on the footage is another variant of Metinvest's upper projection protection. pic.twitter.com/jdawvU5FWa

— Andrei_bt (@AndreiBtvt) October 7, 2024

Forbes says the upgrades are specifically tailored to counter two primary threats faced by Ukrainian forces: anti-tank missiles and explosive drones. The reactive armor is designed to explode outward, deflecting incoming missile warheads, while the cage armor and jammers work to disable and block explosive drones.

Despite shipping hundreds of surplus M2 Bradley infantry fighting vehicles to keep the brigade’s assault battalions equipped, the US has not sent replacement M1s beyond the initial 31 tanks delivered a year ago. While the exact number of surviving tanks remains unclear, analysts at the open-source intelligence group Oryx have documented six destroyed Abrams and eight damaged or abandoned ones, which suggest the brigade may have between 17 and 25 M-1s remaining.

In light of these constraints, there are reports that Australia is considering donating 59 surplus M-1A1SA tanks recently retired from the Australian army. Such a donation could potentially allow the 47th Mechanized Brigade to replenish its existing tank battalion and possibly form a second one, Forbes notes.

Related:

• Ukrainian forces dismiss AP report on Abrams tank withdrawal due to drone threats
• AP: US to help Ukraine develop new strategies for more effective Abrams tank use amid Russian drone threat
• Ukraine’s “Steel front” defense project launches production of protection kits for M2 Bradley infantry fighting vehicles
• NYT: Russians destroyed 5 of 31 US Abrams tanks in Ukraine in two months
• US officials: 31 American-made Abrams tanks now in Ukraine