Russia's "Turtle Tanks" Force Ukrainian Drone Race

A new wave of Russian armored vehicles, modified with improvised anti-drone cages, is changing the battlefield in Ukraine. These crude but effective upgrades are forcing Ukraine to find new ways to fight. The vehicles are called "turtle tanks" by soldiers. They are standard tanks or armored personnel carriers covered in metal grills, sheets, and nets. This ugly armor forms a shell around the vehicle. It is designed to stop explosive drones, which both sides use heavily. For years, Russia suffered huge losses to Ukrainian drones. Now, their simple innovation is reducing casualties. The cages cause drones to explode too early, before they can pierce the main armor. Ukrainian forces must now adapt. They are testing new tactics and weapons to defeat these protected vehicles. The conflict has become a rapid race: one side builds a shield, and the other must find a better spear.