Ukrainian drone operators have spotted unusual armored vehicles near Russia-occupied Donetsk in eastern Ukraine, dubbed “turtle tanks” due to their wide metal shells that cover most of their hulls and turrets. These tanks belong to the 5th Motor Rifle Brigade, under Russian command, and have been up-armored unlike other tanks in the wider war. The tank’s armor severely limits crew visibility and gun rotation, leading to questions about their purpose.
Weapons historian Matthew Moss theorized that these turtle tanks could be breachers, vehicles designed to lead others through minefields to enemy lines. The U.S. Army has effective breaching vehicles, with donated Assault Breachers, but Russia lacks similar equipment. To counter Ukrainian minefields and drones, the 5th Motor Rifle Brigade may have modified T-72 tanks to serve as makeshift breachers by adding extra armor and mine-clearing gear.
While turtle tanks may be successful as DIY breachers, their effectiveness against more substantial threats like missiles and artillery remains to be seen. The use of FPV drones, due to ammunition shortages, highlights the impact of U.S. aid blockades on Ukraine’s resources. With additional funding on the horizon, concerns about the tanks’ vulnerability to more significant attacks arise, as they are optimized to resist drones with limited explosives.
Despite their bizarre nature, the turtle tanks provide the Russian army with an advantage in adapting to the ongoing conflict in Ukraine. However, this advantage may be temporary, with retired Australian army general Mick Ryan suggesting that their effectiveness could diminish over time. The ultimate test will be how the tanks fare when subjected to increased missile and artillery attacks by Ukrainian forces, challenging their survivability against more significant threats.
The use of turtle tanks in the conflict showcases the ongoing evolution of tactics and technology in the region, illustrating the lengths to which forces will go to gain an edge on the battlefield. As the conflict continues, the effectiveness of these unconventional vehicles will be closely monitored, providing valuable insights into the dynamics of modern warfare and the challenges faced by both sides in the struggle for control.
