Russian media has reported that a pair of FPV operators successfully destroyed an M1A1 Abrams tank using cheap kamikaze drones assembled by volunteers. The incident was captured on video and shared on social media, showcasing the tank being tracked by a Russian drone before being engulfed in flames.
These FPV operators, known as 'Bull' and 'Dawn Warrior,' are credited with taking down the Abrams, which was attempting to navigate Russian territory. The duo has a track record of destroying various vehicles, including a Bradley personnel carrier.
The kamikaze drone responsible for the attack, named 'Ghoul,' is funded by donations from supporters rather than the Russian state. It can carry a small anti-tank warhead and is part of a growing trend in FPV technology.
Unlike traditional military drones, the Ghoul is a small, fast quadcopter capable of carrying out precision strikes. The operators have been trained at a specialized facility where these drones are assembled.
While the Abrams tank is known for its robust armor, the FPV operators targeted its vulnerable spots, such as the thin armor at the turret rear. Multiple drone strikes were likely involved in the successful takedown of the tank.
FPV drone production in Russia is currently exceeding 1,000 units per day, making them a formidable threat on the battlefield. The use of drones in warfare is evolving rapidly, posing new challenges for armored vehicles like tanks.
Although tanks have adapted to counter anti-tank guided missiles in the past, the rise of FPV drones presents a unique challenge due to their sheer numbers and evolving capabilities. The recent loss of an Abrams tank underscores the changing landscape of modern warfare.
