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The Russian arms company Kalashnikov recently unveiled the Granat-4-E portable remote monitoring and relay complex to the public in Izhevsk. Kalashnikov claims that this drone played a key role in the destruction of an M1A1 Abrams tank, supplied by the United States, on the Ukrainian battlefield. Earlier in May, there was an unregistered incident showcasing the Granat-4’s significant impact, including its role in successfully targeting an American tank.
The Granat-4 drone, an enhancement from the earlier models in the Granat series, is developed by Kalashnikov. This upgraded drone is part of the Navodchik-2 mobile complex, purposed for reconnaissance and targeting missions. Equipped with a piston engine, the Granat-4 can reach speeds of up to 140 km/h and offers up to 6 hours of autonomy. It operates effectively at altitudes between 500 and 2000 meters.
Weighing in at a maximum take-off mass of 45 kg with a wingspan of 3.8 meters, the Granat-4 is launched via a catapult and lands using a parachute. Its primary function is to transmit real-time video information through a secure radio channel, and it can also adjust artillery fire using laser targeting up to a distance of 3 km.
The deployment of U.S. M1 Abrams tanks in Ukraine has become a highly intricate scenario, particularly due to the escalating drone threat. Since their introduction in 2023, Ukrainian forces have encountered a marked increase in Russian drone assaults.
Reports indicate that by April 2024, approximately 20 out of the 31 tanks supplied had been destroyed, many as a direct result of drone strikes. Early casualties included a tank that was taken out by an FPV drone, which detonated in the ammunition bay, igniting a blaze that led to the tank’s destruction.
In light of these challenges, Ukrainian troops have temporarily withdrawn Abrams tanks from the frontline to safeguard their assets. According to U.S. military sources, this decision stemmed from the tanks’ struggles to operate effectively in high-visibility environments dominated by drone threats.
This approach aims to reduce the risk of losing costly equipment. It’s worth noting that while this gear is designed to withstand most contemporary threats, it’s not yet equipped to handle the extensive deployment of drones.
The challenge drones pose extends beyond just destroying tanks; they also necessitate changes in Ukrainian forces’ tactics. Some units have started adding steel grills to their tanks to offer extra protection. These “experimental” enhancements can improve the crew’s survival chances by about 35 percent. Rather than depending solely on high-tech solutions, the Ukrainian military is incorporating more straightforward methods to safeguard their assets.
As evidenced by the numerous instances of destroyed Abrams tanks, Ukrainian forces must constantly reassess their strategies and adapt to a new battlefield where drones are a pivotal factor. Even though Abrams tanks are known for their reliability, within the context of the Ukrainian conflict, they remain vulnerable and require meticulous planning and protection.
The Russian Granat-4 drone played a pivotal role in taking out an M1A1 Abrams tank in Ukraine, showcasing the enhanced capabilities of unmanned aviation in modern warfare. While primarily designed for reconnaissance and surveillance, the drone also excels in providing target designation for artillery strikes.
In this specific instance, the Granat-4 identified the tank’s location and transmitted this information to Russian forces, enabling a precise attack on the target.
Once the tank’s position was detected, the drone relayed real-time data to its operators, who could then decide on the optimal moment to strike. This seamless coordination between drones and artillery has significantly boosted the effectiveness of Russian military operations. The successful tank destruction underscores how unmanned technologies can shift battlefield dynamics, offering innovative tactical solutions and elevating the chances of operational success.
The Granat-4 exemplifies how contemporary technology can be woven into traditional military strategy. No longer just independent entities, drones now bolster and synchronize armed forces maneuvers. With advanced surveillance and targeting, the Granat-4 has proven indispensable in modern warfare, offering operators vital intel on enemy forces and boosting overall tactical performance.
Serial production of the Granat-4 kicked off in 2021, with a monthly output of approximately 30 units. This ramp-up in production aligns with Russia’s broader agenda to advance its unmanned technology and enhance battlefield capabilities. Just yesterday, President Vladimir Putin unveiled plans to fund 48 new R&D and production centers across Russia, focusing on unmanned aerial vehicles, signaling a significant investment in future combat tech.
BULIGARIAN MILITARY