Rinat Akhmetov’s Steel Front initiative continues to drive innovation aimed at strengthening Ukraine’s defence capabilities. One of its key advancements is the production of protective shields for combat vehicles, significantly increasing the survival rate of Ukrainian forces on the battlefield. Recently, Steel Front began developing protective screens for American Bradley IFVs. Read more here.
Since the start of the full-scale invasion, businesses owned by Rinat Akhmetov have contributed over UAH 9 billion to support both the military and civilians. In particular, Metinvest products have played a crucial role in enhancing protection for Ukrainian forces, as confirmed by positive feedback from troops on the front lines.
Protective screens for AFU equipment
The growing use of drones in modern warfare has created unprecedented challenges. The U.S. military, upon receiving Abrams tanks and Bradley IFVs, found itself unprepared for kamikaze drone attacks – an emerging threat absent in previous conflicts like Iraq and Afghanistan. Ukraine’s military now faces similar challenges, requiring enhanced protection for armoured vehicles against aerial assaults.
To address this, Metinvest has developed protective shields that cover critical weak points of tanks, including turrets and engine compartments. These barriers prevent drones from striking vulnerable areas, significantly boosting the vehicles’ effectiveness and safeguarding their crews.
Development and testing
The process begins with prototype production, followed by field testing under real combat conditions. Soldiers provide feedback, allowing engineers to refine the design before mass production begins. This iterative approach ensures that each protective screen is tailored to the realities of the battlefield.
Metinvest can manufacture a protective screen for an M1 Abrams in approximately 10 days, while similar shielding for Soviet-era tanks takes just 2–3 days. This rapid production cycle enables quick adaptation to battlefield developments and the swift deployment of protective solutions.
Ultimately, these protective screens are more than a technical innovation – they are life-saving measures. Combat vehicles equipped with them have already saved countless lives.