“Steel Front” starts manufacturing protective screens for Bradley IFV

Metinvest has launched the production of additional protection kits for the American M2 Bradley.

The drone shield kit was developed within the Steel Front project.

The design will protect the most vulnerable points of armored vehicles and increase their combat survivability.

“Modern American combat vehicles have not previously dealt with attack drones, so it turned out that they are vulnerable to them,” the company reported.

Steel Front also produces protective screens for Soviet T-64 and T-72 tanks and American M1 Abrams tanks.

The screens are made from steel produced by Metinvest. The manufacturing process for one set takes two to ten days.

Next, it is tested at a testing ground, the military provides feedback, and if the process goes well, mass production begins.

On the M1 Abrams, the protective structures completely cover the turret, engine compartment, and gaps where a drone can fly in and immobilize the tank or jam the turret.

For Abrams, the total weight of the shields is no more than 430 kg. They are designed to not limit the combat vehicle’s functionality and operation.

“This affects its combat capability and the ability to evacuate from the battlefield,” the company said.

Bradley APCs are important on the battlefield for several key reasons: mobility and speed, infantry protection, fire support, reconnaissance, and surveillance.

Previously, Metinvest has also mastered the production of “Lancet traps.” The protective structure is a 10-meter-long mobile shelter.