Ukraine and Russia have begun considering the tactics of using tanks because of the threat posed by cheap drones. According to a report by The Wall Street Journal, drones capable of destroying or seriously damaging armored vehicles have forced both sides to become more economical and cautious when using tanks on the battlefield.
Drones destroyed or damaged 6 out of 31 American Abrams delivered to Ukraine, 12 out of 18 new German Leopard models. Now they are used less often and very carefully, since it is almost impossible to hide from drones on the battlefield.
Thus, the once "kings" of wars have faded into the background, and the parties are looking for new uses for them. Now tanks more often conduct covert fire and then retreat quickly.
Both sides protect their tanks from drones with metal cages around the turret, which has thin armor and becomes a vulnerable target for a drone.
Their experience is adopted by third countries, in particular the USA. The Americans are looking to use lighter metals to make their tanks more maneuverable, install drone jammers, go to great lengths to make them harder to detect, and add a system that fires small explosive munitions when it detects a threat in the air.
However, US officials say they would use tanks in conjunction with aircraft and air defense, which Ukraine does not, and would be more protected.
