The emergence of the “hedgehog” tanks, which are armored vehicles equipped with mine trawls, electronic warfare (EW) systems, and thick cable meshes, represents another phase in Russia’s response to the increasing threat posed by FPV drones on the front lines. Recent images posted on the Telegram channel “Vodogray” showcase two unique armored platforms: the T-80BVM and the T-72B3. Both platforms incorporate a range of counter-drone innovations designed to bolster battlefield survivability.
From Improvised “Mangals” to Structured Counter-Drone Armor
During the initial stages of the Russia–Ukraine conflict, both parties used temporary cages, which were referred to as “mangals” or “sheds,” to safeguard tank turrets from top-attack munitions. Modern FPV drones, which have become more prevalent in targeting vulnerable upper armor, frequently outperformed these primitive structures. Russian engineers have since transformed these designs into intricate protective structures. In contrast to the previous sheet metal cages, “hedgehog” armor is composed of steel cables that are densely wound around metal frames that are installed above and along the sides of tanks, resulting in the formation of layered protective shells.
The design was first noticed in the Northern and Southern operational directions in mid-2024, as reported by Russian defense forums and publications such as Military Review and Topwar. Later, it was standardized across certain assault units after being locally fabricated at forward maintenance bases. The cables are tensioned to serve as both a physical barrier and a method of entangling incoming drones. The impact of the warhead is diminished when the propellers of an FPV drone are damaged or its body is confined prior to detonation when it collides with the cable mesh.
T-80BVM and T-72B3 With Trawl Systems
The accompanying photographs illustrate two specific examples. The T-80BVM variant is equipped with a TMT-K mine trawl, whereas the T-72B3 is equipped with the KMT-7 variety. These trawls are substantial mechanical devices that are intended to safely activate anti-tank mines in advance of the vehicle, thereby neutralizing them. The changing nature of assault operations is reflected in the presence of cable armor, as tanks must proceed cautiously through areas heavily defended by FPV drones and mines.
The tank is simultaneously shielded from below (by the trawl), above (by cable armor), and electronically (by EW systems) in both variants, which reflect a combined-arms configuration. However, these layers introduce a substantial increase in overall mass, which significantly impacts the vehicle’s mobility. Russian sources such as Military Thought state that the “hedgehog” kits can result in an additional one or two tons of weight, necessitating modifications to the engine output and suspension.
Integration of Electronic Warfare Systems
Perhaps the most notable feature on the T-80BVM in the images is the integration of an electronic warfare suite placed atop the cable “armor.” Russian social media monitoring groups, including Reverse Side of the Medal (RSOTM), have identified these as modified “Volnorez” or “Lesochek” systems, designed to jam drone control channels operating on 900 MHz, 1.2 GHz, and 2.4 GHz frequencies.
The use of these lightweight EW emitters has become increasingly standard within Russian formations. They are typically mounted on command vehicles, infantry fighting vehicles, or even on turrets of assault tanks to disrupt enemy first-person view (FPV) guidance. By combining physical cable protection with electronic jamming, the “hedgehog” tanks adopt a layered defense model reminiscent of “hard-kill” and “soft-kill” hybrid protection found in modern tank active defense systems.
Theory Behind the Cable Armor Design
The cable armor’s rationale is rooted in energy dispersion, according to Russian engineering discussions on Telegram and VK channels that are relevant to the Uralvagonzavod design community. When an FPV drone collides with the tank, the detonation typically occurs on the cable surface rather than directly on the armor. The spacing between the cables and the tank’s hull establishes an air gap that reduces the transfer of explosive energy. The cables, which usually consist of thick braided steel wires, absorb a portion of the kinetic and rotational energy from the drone’s blades. Additionally, they prevent the drone from entering vulnerable areas, such as the engine compartment, rear deck, or hatch covers.
Nevertheless, this benefit comes with substantial disadvantages. The additional bulk impedes the turret’s rapid rotation and restricts the angles of gun depression. Additionally, personnel have expressed their dissatisfaction with the increased difficulty of entering and exiting the vehicle as a result of the mesh that envelops it. Furthermore, visibility from commander periscopes and optical sights is diminished, particularly when cables are suspended over the turret’s top.
Field Testing and Operational Use
The “hedgehog” modifications are currently being tested on front-line tanks that are engaged in direct assault and breaching duties, as evidenced by open-source images from the Kupyansk and Avdiivka sectors. In late summer 2025, Russian videos were released, depicting “assault groups” with tanks equipped with this configuration clearing trenches with the assistance of small quadrotor reconnaissance drones. It has been stated by analysts from Rybar and WarGonzo that this protection has reduced tank losses from FPV drones by up to 50% in specific conditions. However, independent observers have not verified these figures.
In technical terms, the integration of EW jammers with TMT-K or KMT-7 mine trawls indicates a transition to dedicated “assault engineer-tank” duties, which are vehicles that are designed for slow, methodical advances through heavily fortified zones. The tanks serve as the first layer, which clears mines and absorbs drone attacks, thereby enabling mechanized infantry and logistics units to follow more safely.
Soviet Legacy and Modern Adaptation
In the past, Soviet doctrine prioritized the breaching of minefields and the overcoming of defensive belts. For this purpose, specialized variants were created, including the T-55 with PT-3 trawls and the BMR series. The current “hedgehog” designs maintain this doctrinal line, but they have been modified to address the challenges presented by modern warfare. Drones, loitering munitions, and precision FPV weapons now perform functions previously reserved for anti-tank mines and artillery in this context.
The Russian Armed Forces regard such improvisations as a component of “adaptive battlefield engineering,” a process in which units modify equipment on-site in response to threats at a rate that exceeds the rate at which centralized manufacturers can issue standardized upgrades, as noted by publications such as Red Star. The “hedgehog” solution, therefore, embodies the pragmatic approach of Russian soldiers, who prioritize tactical survivability over aesthetics, speed, and comfort.
Industrial Response and Future Prospects
Russian defense factories are currently developing standardized “anti-drone armor packages” in response to the widespread use of these improvised systems. Uralvagonzavod and Kurganmashzavod have successfully added wire mesh frames to the T-90M and BMP-3 turrets by late 2025. Patents filed under the “Protective Device for Combat Vehicle” index suggest creating systems that can adjust cable tension and improve the installation of electronic warfare antennas in factories.
Autonomous EW modules that automatically alter frequency bands to counter swarm drone attacks, as well as reactive layers that are designed to detonate small drones before they reach the cable mesh, may be included in future iterations. Therefore, the Russian concept of “smart armor” has the potential to converge mechanical and electromagnetic protection into a single, comprehensive suite that is integrated with onboard sensors and battlefield AI systems.
The Trade-Off Between Protection and Mobility
Although the concept is inventive in its simplicity, the operational drawbacks are evident. In addition to consuming more fuel, heavier tanks are at risk of mechanical failure and lose tactical agility when subjected to protracted strain. The cable structures may become entangled with obstacles in confined terrain, such as urban or forested areas. The armored personnel have expressed their apprehension that the obstructive mesh necessitates additional time for maintenance operations, such as engine servicing or refueling. Additionally, the vehicle’s silhouette is enlarged, rendering it a more visible and thermal target for surveillance drones.
However, commanders appear to overlook these compromises, reasoning that the prevention of a single FPV drone strike outweighs the inconvenience. The new configuration effectively converts the tank into a mobile fortress, prioritizing survivability over maneuverability—a trend that is becoming increasingly apparent in all modes of modern armored warfare.
Conclusion: A Symbol of the Drone Age Battlefield
The “hedgehog” tanks represent the evolution of tank warfare in the drone era. They represent the battlefield ingenuity of Russian forces in the face of changing circumstances, in which each vehicle must defend itself not only from missiles or mines but also from inexpensive, nimble FPV drones that attack from all directions. A hybrid technological shift is exemplified by the combination of wire armor, mine trawls, and portable EW systems, in which traditional armor meets electronic warfare and mechanical improvisation.
Although these designs are visually unconventional and cumbersome, they underscore the adaptive impetus that exists within the Russian military-industrial complex. Whether these “hedgehog” modifications will develop into standardized anti-drone systems or remain field improvisations is primarily contingent upon the impact of the war on future armored doctrine. Currently, they serve as a startling illustration of the way in which contemporary warfare necessitates even the most formidable tank formations to constantly reimagine their defenses.
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