Metinvest's Pioneering Role in Military Defense: Steel Shields for the M113 Armored Personnel Carrier
Metinvest, a prominent Ukrainian industrial group, has been at the forefront of developing innovative defense technologies to protect military equipment against the evolving threats of modern warfare. As part of the Steel Front initiative led by Rinat Akhmetov, the company has ramped up the production of specialized steel screens designed to enhance the protection of armored vehicles, particularly the M113 armored personnel carrier (APC), one of the most widely used combat vehicles globally.
These protective screens are an essential defense against the rising threat of kamikaze drones, which have become one of the most dangerous tools on the battlefield. The screens are designed to shield the vehicles by creating a barrier that prevents the drones from detonating on impact. If a drone strikes the screen, the explosion is either neutralized or occurs at a safe distance, preventing critical damage to both the vehicle and its crew.
The Evolution of the M113 and Its Vulnerability to Modern Threats
The M113 APC, originally developed in the 1960s in the United States, has been a staple in the arsenals of more than 50 countries worldwide. Known for its mobility and ease of maintenance, the M113’s design incorporates an aluminum hull, making it significantly lighter than other armored vehicles. This lightness gives the M113 a tactical advantage in maneuverability, particularly in complex terrains.
However, this same lightness makes the M113 vulnerable to modern threats, particularly from kamikaze drones. These drones are capable of pinpointing and attacking moving targets with high precision, often bypassing conventional air defense systems. The M113's basic armor is not designed to withstand the force of modern explosives, especially those deployed from the air.
The kamikaze drones typically strike the vehicle from above, where the armor is weakest. Even small explosive charges can cause devastating damage to the vehicle and its crew. Therefore, Metinvest's innovation of steel screens has become critical in addressing this vulnerability.
How the Protective Screens Work
Metinvest’s steel screens are strategically installed on the top of the armored vehicles. These screens create a distance barrier between the vehicle’s hull and incoming threats, significantly reducing the likelihood of a drone detonation directly impacting the vehicle. Upon contact, the screens either dissipate the force of the explosion or force the kamikaze drone to detonate at a safe distance from the vehicle.
Metinvest has already produced and delivered 14 screens for the M113 APC, and these have proven to be highly effective in mitigating the damage caused by drone strikes. The screens are adaptable to other models as well, including the FV432 and YPR-765 armored vehicles, with ongoing efforts to expand production for dozens of different vehicle types.
Impact and Adoption in Military Use
Metinvest’s defensive screens have already seen success in protecting armored vehicles used by the Ukrainian Armed Forces. The screens have been credited with saving lives and preventing critical damage to military equipment. Their application extends to other high-profile vehicles such as the Abrams, Bradley, and Leopard tanks, all of which have benefited from the steel protection designed by Metinvest.
As the war in Ukraine intensifies, the demand for these protective screens has surged. Metinvest has quickly scaled its production capacity, leveraging its advanced steel manufacturing capabilities to supply the Ukrainian military with essential equipment for countering aerial threats.
The Rise of FPV Drones in Modern Warfare
First-Person View (FPV) drones have emerged as one of the most effective weapons in modern conflicts. These drones can carry explosive charges and are capable of targeting moving armored vehicles with high precision. They have become a major challenge for traditional military defense systems, particularly when it comes to protecting lightly armored vehicles like the M113.
The kamikaze drones are designed to fly at low altitudes, often evading conventional anti-aircraft systems. Their effectiveness in striking from above, where most vehicles have weaker armor, makes them a significant threat. The introduction of steel screens from Metinvest offers a crucial defense against these drones, creating a physical barrier that neutralizes their threat.
Ongoing Improvements and Expansion of Production
Metinvest’s innovation does not stop with the current design of the protective screens. The company is actively working on improving the screen’s effectiveness by testing new materials and screen shapes to maximize the barrier’s ability to withstand explosions. These ongoing developments ensure that the protective screens remain at the cutting edge of defense technology, adapting to the evolving nature of modern warfare.
Metinvest is also working to expand its production to meet the increasing demand from the Ukrainian military and other armed forces. With more M113s and other armored vehicles entering service, the need for protective steel screens is expected to grow, prompting Metinvest to enhance its manufacturing capabilities.
A Critical Role in Supporting the Ukrainian Military Effort
Metinvest’s commitment to supporting the Ukrainian military goes beyond the development of protective technologies. In the past three years of war, the company has directed more than ₴8.4 billion towards supporting Ukraine, including the development of military-grade steel and various other forms of defense assistance. The company’s involvement in producing steel screens for military vehicles is just one example of how Metinvest is leveraging its industrial expertise to bolster Ukraine’s defense against foreign aggression.
By continuing to innovate and supply critical defense technologies, Metinvest plays a pivotal role in ensuring the safety of military personnel and the operational efficiency of Ukraine’s armored forces.
Key Takeaways:
• Metinvest's Contribution: Metinvest has developed specialized steel screens to protect military vehicles, specifically the M113 armored personnel carrier, from kamikaze drone attacks.
• Function of Screens: These protective barriers are designed to neutralize or detonate drones at a safe distance, preventing critical damage to the vehicle and its crew.
• Effectiveness: The screens have already been successfully deployed on M113s, Abrams, Bradley, and Leopard tanks, saving lives and preventing damage.
• Rising Threat of FPV Drones: First-Person View drones have become a major threat in modern warfare, capable of bypassing traditional anti-air systems and attacking lightly armored vehicles.
• Ongoing Improvements: Metinvest is continually improving its protective screen technology by testing new materials and designs for greater efficiency.
• Supporting Ukraine: Over the past three years, Metinvest has invested ₴8.4 billion in supporting Ukraine’s military efforts, highlighting its commitment to the country’s defense.
• Expansion Plans: The company is scaling up production of steel screens to meet the growing demand from the Ukrainian military and international partners.
• Global Adoption: Metinvest’s steel screens are not only protecting Ukrainian forces but are also being tested for use by military units around the world.
Metinvest’s proactive approach to defense technology showcases the company’s role as a key player in modern warfare, ensuring the protection of valuable military assets in a rapidly changing conflict landscape.
