Ukrainian artillerymen use DIY anti-drone armor on their self-propelled guns

Ukrainian gunners started using improvised metal screens to protect against kamikaze drone attacks.

A video capturing the movement of one of these ACS was released on social media.

The Ukrainian military welded metal grids on combat equipment. They should protect against numerous strikes by Russian kamikaze drones of the Lancet type.

The published video features one of the modernized M109L self-propelled howitzers, previously transferred by Italy as part of military assistance.

The screens completely cover the upper hemisphere of the combat vehicle, as well as its sides and the stern. In the case of a drone hit, premature detonation of the UAV warhead will occur, which, theoretically, will not be able to damage the self-propelled howitzer.

The authors of this modernization kit published a video on social media capturing the consequences of one of these hits.

According to them, the grid screens completely neutralized the Russian Lancet loitering munition, which dived into the roof of the self-propelled howitzer’s turret. The lattice was pierced, but only scratches remained on the ACS armor.

Metal screens welded on the hull can be considered a further development of already popular DIY folding anti-drone armor.

For example, in March this year, the Ukrainian military rescued the 2S1 Gvozdika self-propelled guns with the help of such an installation. The grid prevented a Russian drone from hitting the vehicle and detained it.

It was also possible to protect Krab self-propelled guns transferred by Poland. The Lancet UAV was stuck in a metal grid that was stretched over self-propelled artillery.

Currently, Russian Lancet loitering munitions pose a serious threat due to their weight and the ability to operate at a depth of 30-40 km in the rear of the troops.

The invaders are actively using them as a means of counter-battery warfare and to hunt anti-aircraft systems that cover the Ukrainian military.