Russian drone hits EU-supplied Ukrainian tank (VIDEO)
A Russian drone has taken out a Swedish-designed main battle tank in Ukraine’s Sumy Region, one of Moscow’s elite units has claimed, releasing the video of the strike.
On Thursday, Russia’s 83rd Guards Air Assault Brigade claimed to have destroyed a Strv-122А. The unit also released FPV footage of the alleged attack.
The tank fitted with an anti-UAV frame on the roof, is seen driving at a high speed across a snowy plain without any cover. The vehicle is a licensed version of the German Leopard 2 A5 which features several improvements, including better command, control, and fire-control systems and reinforced armor.
The drone gradually catches the tank from behind and smashes into its unprotected engine compartment. It is unclear from the video how serious the damage was or what happened to the tank crew.
The 83rd Guards Air Assault Brigade claimed that the Strv-122 was later tackled by other drones, adding its UAV detachments had destroyed several Ukrainian artillery pieces in the same area.
According to Swedish media, Stockholm has sent a total of 10 Strv-122s to Ukraine.
The Russian military often uses cheap drones to target Ukrainian Western-supplied heavy armor on the move. Last spring, unnamed US officials acknowledged that American-supplied M1 Abrams tanks had substantial difficulties on the battlefield because they were often detected and attacked by Russian drones.
