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Russia’s ‘Hedgehog’ Tanks Surface in New Clips With Spiked Anti-Drone Armor

Analysts describe heavy wire overbuilds with mine rollers as improvised defenses with uncertain effectiveness.

Overview

  • Videos posted by Russia’s Sputnik and the pro‑Ukrainian Telegram channel Vodohrai show modified T‑72B3 and T‑80BVM tanks, though the time and location remain unclear.
  • The spiked frames use dense metal wires intended to snag or pre‑detonate kamikaze drones before they strike the vehicles, according to media analyses.
  • The tanks appear to carry mine rollers beneath the heavy overbuilds, and some T‑80BVMs may also feature reactive armor and a radio jammer.
  • Military observers say the add‑ons increase weight, slow the vehicles, restrict crew visibility and raise fuel consumption, trading mobility for protection against drones.
  • The designs echo earlier improvised builds such as the widely noted ‘turtle’ tank that was later reported destroyed, highlighting uncertain battlefield durability.