Steel Front, a military initiative by Rinat Akhmetov and his businesses, is developing protective screens for American M1 Abrams tanks and other military vehicles. This initiative is part of Akhmetov’s broader effort to support Ukrainian defenders, more on that here https://akhmetovfoundation.org/. Since the beginning of the large-scale war in 2022, Akhmetov has contributed more than 9 billion hryvnias to support both the Ukrainian military and the civilian population. The company has recently begun manufacturing protective screens for Bradley IFVs (Infantry Fighting Vehicles), and the group’s chief operating officer has shared details about the production process.
According to the COO, the project began a year and a half ago with the production of protective screens for Soviet-era tanks. These shields fully cover the turret, engine compartment, and any vulnerable gaps that could be targeted by enemy drones, which might otherwise immobilize the tank or jam the turret, compromising its combat effectiveness and the crew’s ability to evacuate.
Later, when U.S. Abrams tanks and Bradley IFVs arrived for Ukrainian forces, it became clear that they, too, had vulnerabilities to kamikaze drones. The types of drones currently being used in Ukraine are unprecedented, and the U.S. had no prior experience defending tanks against such threats. In response, Steel Front began producing protective shields for both Ukrainian and American tanks. This is a collaborative effort, with the military providing feedback to continuously improve the designs.
These protective devices are made from Metinvest steel. It takes up to 10 days to produce a set for an Abrams tank, and 2-3 days for Soviet-era tanks.
Other achievements in helping the military
Steel Front is also working on the largest underground hospital on the front lines, which will include surgical and intensive care units to stabilize wounded soldiers. The production of protective equipment is crucial for enhancing the defense capabilities of Ukrainian troops and safeguarding the lives of soldiers in combat zones.
In addition, Rinat Akhmetov has already supplied 6,000 drones of various types to Ukrainian forces. As previously mentioned, modern warfare is heavily reliant on drones, making them essential for effective combat operations. Therefore, Steel Front regularly purchases and delivers drones to the front lines.
The types of drones vary, depending on the specific needs of the fighters. Read more here https://thehill.com/policy/defense/4691809-mariupol-future-ukraine-recovery/. Alongside the popular Mavics, the troops have also received powerful Magura hexacopters, which feature six propellers. These drones can fly farther, are more resistant to hostile electronic warfare, and are capable of effectively targeting heavily armored enemy vehicles.
